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Business
Jun 15, 2026
Analyzed by Llama- 4 Scout 17B 16E Instruct

London Bistro Bouchon Racine Wins UK Restaurant of the Year

AI Summary
Bouchon Racine, a London bistro above a pub, has been crowned the UK's top restaurant. Owners Henry Harris and Dave Strauss are known for their old-school approach, including phone-only bookings and a menu that changes daily.

The Road to Success

Bouchon Racine, a cozy restaurant located above a pub in Farringdon, London, has been named the UK's top restaurant in the National Restaurant Awards. The journey to success was unexpected for co-owners Henry Harris and Dave Strauss, who thought they would be lucky to make it into the top 20.

A Unique Approach to Bookings

The restaurant's operators are taking a unique approach to bookings, aiming to switch to phone-only bookings in the future. Strauss mentioned that he handles bookings between 9 am and 11 am and prefers a more organic way of managing reservations.

The Menu

The menu at Bouchon Racine is a personal reflection of Harris's culinary tastes, featuring dishes such as calf brains, tête de veau, oysters, steak frites, and pork chops. Harris's crème caramel, served with a prune, is a staple on the menu.

The Impact of Changing Consumer Culture

The move to phone-only bookings is part of a larger trend of restaurateurs reasserting their desire to run their businesses on their own terms. Harris and Strauss are committed to providing a unique dining experience, free from the pressures of social media and online reviews.

The Future of Dining

As restaurateurs face challenges such as rising tax and food inflation, Harris and Strauss are focused on providing a high-quality dining experience that prioritizes personal connections and exceptional food. Their approach may just be the key to success in a changing industry.