Judges lauded the Barrafina’s charm and laid-back atmosphere, as well as the modern flair added to the traditional Spanish dishes by executive head chef Nieves Barragàn Mochacho. Restaurant’s editor Stefan Chomka praised the Barrafina as the first no-reservation restaurant to the top the list.
“It demonstrates the changing face of the UK’s dining scene and a more casual approach to eating out. Barrafina Adelaide Street epitomises what a good restaurant should be – it is inclusive, vibrant and fun with excellent service and a great buzz about it. And, of course, the food is brilliant. It’s a place you want to revisit time and time again.”
The full list of 100 winners represents a thoroughly diverse selection of restaurants than ever before, and is truly national with more restaurants than ever located outside of London; 49% of the list is based outside the capital. Any restaurant in any location across the United Kingdom is eligible for inclusion in the list, with judges each casting seven votes for their best dining experiences from both within and outside their ‘home’ region over the last year.
In addition to the National Restaurant of the Year, excellence across each of the UK regions was recognised at the event. There were also awards presented for sustainability, the best wine and cocktail lists, and the Chefs’ Chef of the Year.
Last year’s number one restaurant, Gymkhana, remained a favourite among judges, this year being named Best Indian Restaurant. Nuno Mendes’ latest opening in Spitalfields, Taberna do Mercado, meanwhile, was picked as the One To Watch, sponsored by Velocity, while The Service Award, sponsored by Liberty Wines, went to Paul Ainsworth at Number 6 in Cornwall.
Like in previous years, the team of judges, which are made up of trusted and respected chefs, restaurateurs and food writers, took a holistic approach to the judging process. Restaurants were not judged only by their food but the whole experience, so staff, atmosphere, music, design and price were all considered.
As well as Barrafina Adelaide Street’s Nieves Barragán Mohacho, the first female head chef to collect the National Restaurant of the Year award, other female chefs recognised included Clare Smyth whose Restaurant Gordon Ramsay at Royal Hospital Road was the highest climber in this year’s list.
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