After spending a demanding year judging some of the nation’s finest cooks on MasterChef, Guardian food columnist and TV critic Grace Dent found solace in discovering restaurants with genuine warmth and character. Forced to endure many long hours in a windowless studio, Dent sought out venues that offered not just exceptional food but also spirited hospitality.
One standout discovery was Juliet, a charming restaurant in the town of Stroud, Gloucestershire. Dent praised Juliet as a hub for the town’s “boho community of artists and eccentric toffs,” describing it as a place where locals gather to celebrate life’s special moments. She was “bowled over” by the welcoming atmosphere and quality cooking, highlighting it as a rare find with soul.
Dent’s passion for great food also took her beyond Gloucestershire. In Bristol, she visited two innovative eateries housed in repurposed shipping containers at Wapping Wharf: Ragù and Lapin. She characterized Lapin as “peculiar, meta, slightly earnest and definitely delicious,” noting its unique French twist, including serving rabbit harvested from local hunters and playing 80s French pop that evokes school exchange nostalgia.
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In Manchester, Dent was impressed by Winsome, a modern British restaurant helmed by chef Shaun Moffat. The cuisine is a creative blend—equal parts Fergus Henderson, Mark Hix, London’s Quality Chop House, and a playful hint of a Toby Carvery, offering a distinct but comforting dining experience.
Reflecting on the national dining landscape after an intense filming schedule, Dent affirmed that “the scene out there is roaring.” With her enthusiasm undimmed, she looks forward to 2026, confidently stating that “the future looks delicious.”
Juliet’s acclaim extends beyond Dent’s praise: The Times critic Giles Coren also gave the restaurant a perfect 10 out of 10 for cooking, location, and service—the only flawless score he awarded all year—cementing its status as a must-visit culinary destination.