60th birthday meal

[oldmegan]

We are looking for suggestions for a really fab restaurant/hotel within an easy drive of London or Oxford for a celebration meal. It could be lunch or dinner. Don't mind splashing the cash a bit, but want to be sure of getting really good food. Suggestions please? Many thanks.

[ermintrude35]

..if you don't mind splashing the cash then you can't go wrong at the Manoir.... lunch would be fab on a sunny day as the gardens are superb http://www.manoir.com/web/olem/olem_a2a_home.j sp

[bednobs]

the fat duck?
cliveden?

[oldmegan]

Thanks both of you. All three look really good. Will study carefully and make a decision. The menus look wonderful.

[nickmo]

Cat and pigeons time - seen some so-so comments about Le Manoir - the boy Raymond isn't on site to cook for the majority of time and the standard - despite 'the Restaurant' series lauding excellence - can be a bit hit or miss. Get a good night and its beyond first class though and you can stay on site for the price of a small mortgage...

And little Hestons duck? - expect the unexpected there - it is praised but some of the combinations may not be to the taste of the members of your party. 3* though...

If you really want to go for broke, for London choices, try a table at Pont de la Tour, or the Notting Hill Brasserie. or the Notting Grill or even Rhodes 24.... note that all 'preferred ' London restaurants can be hit or miss with service whatever their standing.

There are a lot of reviews to consider at :http://www.london-eating.co.uk which is fairly reliable and might help.

Out of London, go to the Roux Bros caff, 'The Waterside' at Bray - these guys are born to cook.....3 Michelin stars and nice guys to boot.

Or The Vineyard at Stockcross near Newbury, has 2 Michelin stars and 2000 wines to choose from....and won the Best Independent Hotel in UK too..as well as good food and really nice surroundings.

All have websites so have some fun and enjoy the choosing! Hope this helps ...