Eating out: the best out-of-town eateries

Fancy a trip out of town with a great meal at the end of it? Here's where to head for some top-notch grub.

Ham it up: Farmshop, Bicester

45 mins from Marylebone

With a sourdough kick, the humble ham sandwich is refashioned as hipster comfort food by the Soho House group’s newest eaterie, just by the massive Bicester Village shopping outlet. Unit 135, Bicester Village, OX26 6WD.

 

A photo posted by farmshopBV (@farmshopbv) on Jun 1, 2015 at 8:55am PDT

Magic mushrooms: The Foragers, St Albans

40 mins from St Pancras

This place worships wild food, and wild food doesn’t perform to order. Though mushrooms are often the stars of the menu, there’s always something awesomely agrarian to chow down on. 41 Lower Dagnall St, St Albans, AL3 4QE.

 

A photo posted by @ranawallwork on Feb 4, 2015 at 12:34am PST

Posh tea and cake: Fitzbillies, Cambridge

50 mins from King's Cross

Every mealtime here is a jolly affair, but if it’s an afternoon delight you’re after, look no further than a slice of their coffee walnut cake or sachertorte. Fitzbillies, 51-52 Trumpington St, Cambridge, CB2 1RG.

 

A photo posted by Catherine Tennyson (@catherine_tennyson) on Apr 29, 2015 at 5:33am PDT

Cracking crustaceans: Osborne Bros, Leigh-on-sea

50 mins from Fenchurch Street

Over 125 years old, this perennially packed, no-bookings café sells all things fishy. The cockles come from the family’s very own boats. Shell out! Billet Wharf, High St, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 2ER. 

 

A photo posted by @louisehhx on May 4, 2015 at 4:58am PDT

Nobody does it batter: Peter's Fish Factory, Margate

90 mins from St Pancras

‘Tiny’ doesn’t begin to describe this hugely popular fish ’n’ chips dispensary. Take something substantial to read while you queue – ‘War and (Mushy) Peace’? 12 Royal York Mansions, Margate, CT9 1EZ.

 

A photo posted by Ala Champ Magazine (@champ_magazine) on Aug 31, 2014 at 11:49am PDT

Hot Stuff! Food for Friends, Brighton

60 mins from Victoria

Indian, Mexican, Middle Eastern: this vegetarian kitchen really knows its spices. So tasty you’ll forget it’s wholesome. Sharing menus are a top draw. 17-18 Prince Albert St, Brighton, BN1 1HF.

 

A photo posted by Food for Friends (@foodforfriendsrestaurant) on Dec 3, 2014 at 5:43am PST

Sunday Best: The White Oak, Cookham

45 mins from Paddington

The White Oak is just minutes away from a lovely riverside walk. Get downwind of the Sunday roast (with roast spuds, yorkshire pud and veg), and you’ll be drooling with anticipation. The Pound, Cookham, SL6 9QE.

 

A photo posted by Sophie Scarlett (@sophiescarlettm) on Dec 25, 2013 at 8:07am PST

Don't fancy leaving town? Take a look at the best new restaurants in London.