Condé Nast Traveller, the high-end travel publication, has announced the winners of its second annual UK’s Top New Restaurant Awards. The awards were celebrated at an event hosted by Condé Nast Traveller’s global editorial director, Divia Thani, at Ambassadors Clubhouse in London.
Judges including Raymond Blanc OBE, Jackson Boxer Anna Shaffer and Glasgow’s Julie Lin, formed this year’s distinguished panel, selecting winners who demonstrated culinary flair, creativity and excellence in the kitchen.
The Scottish restaurants on the list of the UK’s top new restaurants are: Fallachan Kitchen in Glasgow, Outlier bakery and restaurant also in Glasgow and Nàdair in Edinburgh.
Fallachan Kitchen opened in a railway arch in Glasgow’s Eastvale Place in March 2024 after a run in the Acid Bar at nearby arts and events venue SWG3. It’s the brainchild of chef Craig Grozier, who is known for his innovative, wild Scottish cooking.
Of Fallachan, Conde Nast wrote: “A first of its kind in Glasgow, Fallachan offers communal fine dining from the industrial surroundings of a candlelit railway arch. Ten courses of staunchly seasonal fare come accompanied by detailed – bordering on nicely nerdy – explanations of ingredients and techniques. With six staff members to a maximum of 12 diners, it feels luxuriously intimate as you watch the food made from the open counter just a foot away.”
Outlier, located in Glasgow’s east end is a bakery and cafe that serves breakfast and lunch dishes, with coffee supplied by Good Coffee Cartel.
Of Outlier, Conde Nast said: “Outlier made a clever entry into the restaurant scene in Glasgow by establishing itself as one of the city’s most popular bakeries first. What once solely dealt with cappuccinos and croissants has evolved into a restaurant with real heart.”
Nadair opened in late 2024 and is located in Marchmont, Edinburgh.
The 20 cover, independent restaurant is the first venture between Alan Keery, head chef, and Sarah Baldry, pastry chef. The pair first worked together at Edinburgh institution Wedgwood the Restaurant.
The couple said: “Winning this award was a total surprise, but we are absolutely delighted that our wee restaurant has been recognised by such an influential travel guide. We just love what we do and have a great team supporting us. We’re really looking forward to what 2025 holds and continuing to cook the food we love for customers old and new.”
Conde Nast Traveller wrote of the restaurant: “More relaxed than your standard tasting menu, Nádair offers one set billing built around Scottish produce, including foraged finds.
“Because of the staunch seasonal lean (the menu can change daily), there’s repetition of flavours throughout dishes that champions the exact moment in time you’re dining in, creating a strand of consistency but also creativity throughout the meal.
“You might find sea buckthorn in your pre-dinner cocktail as well as your dessert, or perhaps honey berries appear in sweet and savoury guises. Whichever way you cut it here, you’ll find delightful dishes with surprising elements (beef with oyster emulsion, say) and little added extras that keep things interesting.
“Add to that a laidback neighbourhood vibe, sweet staff and a stellar drinks list and you’ve got a failsafe recipe for a very lovely meal.”
Divia Thani, global editorial director of Condé Nast Traveller, said: “Food has an incredible ability to be a gateway into a culture, to bring down walls and to bring people together, which is what we set out to do with our second annual UK’s Top New Restaurant Awards.
“Gathering the top talent across the nation’s vibrant food scene to celebrate their incredible achievements here tonight has been a privilege.
“We want to congratulate all of tonight’s winners and thank our incredible panel of judges who have rightfully recognised some of the best chefs and restaurants in the UK.”
The full list of UK’s top new restaurants according to Conde Nast Traveller
A reader's choice vote selected Sonnet Restaurant, Alnwick, Northumberland as The Readers’ Favourite Top New Restaurant of 2024.
The judges also selected winners in six bespoke categories:
The Top New Sustainable Restaurant of 2024 Sponsored by Polestar
The Top New Hotel Restaurant 2024
The Top New Sommelier of 2024 Sponsored by Champagne Laurent-Perrier
The Top New Chef of 2024
The One to Watch 2024
The Lifetime Achievement Award
