(31 Upper North Street, East Sussex in Brighton, United Kingdom)

toptable Dining Awards 2007 - Runner-up: Top Rated category The young, old and ageless of Brighton h...ave been contentedly eating at the spot now named Barry's at the Tureen since 1964. A small restaurant, it is something of a mini-institution among locals who love the fact that it still has the same Liberty print banquette seating it had 20 years ago. This is a restaurant that's comfortable in its own skin. Much like owner, chef and maitre'd, Barry, who on any given night knows 90 per cent of the diners. His reliable menu is predominantly English, especially the desserts (crumble, steamed pudding…) and he'll occasionally cook pasta and vegetarian dishes. Really, he aims to cater for everybody. For those who favour a quiet meal in a personable, intimate environment, Barry at the Tureen does very well. Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 7pm - 9pm (last orders) [moreless]

(30 Mary Ann Street, St Paul's Square in Birmingham, United Kingdom)

Tucked into a former Georgian silversmiths workshop, the Bucklemaker is a delightful restaurant that... manages to be traditional, contemporary and welcoming all at once. The atmosphere is businessy at lunch, romantic in the evenings, with a friendly, buzzy bar area. There are seventeen wine cellars - you may take that as a challenge. Excellent for business for personal entertaining. What's cooking? For starters, try fresh oysters with raspberry shallot vinegar, lemon and Tabasco, or something more complex, like spinach, lobster and crab spring roll, with warm bean sprouts, soya coriander and sesame oil. For mains, we suggest the calves liver with sweet potato and red skin onion tartlet, piquant sauce and deep fried sage, or the Pitt and Swatkins pie, beef fillet, kidney, mushroom and ale. Puds are fine, and they pride themselves on their properly aged cheeses. Opening hours: Mon - Fri 12pm - 2.30pm & 5.30pm - 10.30pmSat: 7pm - 10.30pmSun: Closed [moreless]