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If you’re on the hunt for a present for your favourite foodie this Christmas, why not give them a culinary experience they’ll never forget?
Experiences make excellent gifts because not only can they provide us with fond memories but also something to be excited about when the merriment of Christmas has ended.
Plus, many of us would relish the opportunity to sample some of the most creative flavours, aromas, and textures from some of the UK’s most talented chefs.
With this in mind, we’ve teamed up with Travelzoo, which recently launched its gift guide for foodies. From refined rooftop meals to adventures in world cuisine, there are plenty of great gift experiences to choose from. Below, we’ve pulled together some of our favourites across England and Wales.
1. Three-course meal and champagne at The Lanesborough, London
Price: £49.50pp
Are you in need of the perfect present for a foodie with a refined palate? Look no further than this elegant experience at The Lanesborough Grill in the heart of London.
Located on the edge of the royal Hyde Park, just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, The Lanesborough is one of the capital’s most opulent hotels. This gleaming neoclassical mansion is worth a visit for the architecture itself, but the food at the Michelin-listed restaurant is also unmissable.
At The Lanesborough Grill, which houses what Condé Nast Traveller has described as “one of the most spectacular dining rooms in town”, executive chef Shay Cooper serves up modern and innovative British dishes.
For just £49.50pp, you can enjoy the gastronomical wonders of this much-raved-about restaurant – including a three-course meal with champagne. It’s a luxurious day out in London that almost any foodie will appreciate!
For a limited time, Travelzoo is also giving away a three-course meal for two at the stunning Lanesborough Grill in partnership with Rest Less.
For a chance to win, all you need to do is click the button below and follow the instructions.
2. Afternoon tea in Bolton Abbey
Price: £49 for two
Situated on the southern side of the Yorkshire Dales, along the winding banks of the River Wharfe, is the Bolton Abbey Estate. As well as the ghostly ruins of an Augustinian Priory (which has a fascinating history) and lush, rolling countryside views, this 30,000-acre estate is also home to the famed Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa.
Inside, you’ll find the elegant Burlington Restaurant (which boasts three AA Rosettes) and the slightly more casual Devonshire Brasserie and Bar. So, whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or an upmarket pub-style lunch, it’s a perfect place to enjoy a meal after exploring the estate. However, you won’t want to miss out on their afternoon tea.
Served every day of the week, The Devonshire Arms’ indulgent afternoon tea offers a selection of mouthwatering cakes, delicate finger sandwiches, decadent buttermilk scones with clotted cream, and a wide selection of tea and coffee.
You can purchase this experience for two for just £49 with Travelzoo. It’s an ideal day trip for a food-lover in your life who enjoys the great outdoors.
3. Five-course meal on the Pembrokeshire coast
Price: £95 for two
Pembrokeshire is known for its dramatic coastline. Lush Welsh countryside meets rugged cliffs, miles of golden sand beaches, and iridescent waters. And what better way to admire it than while sitting down to an exquisite meal?
With floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto Coppet Hall beach, Coast Restaurant is a truly unique dining experience. Head Chef Fred Clapperton serves up the flavours of Pembrokeshire – from fresh fish and hand-dived shellfish to coastal leaves and Welsh cheese – and has been awarded three AA Rosettes for his efforts.
This deal from Travelzoo involves a full, five-course tasting meal. Why not indulge after a windswept coastal walk (the nearby Stackpole circuit is popular) or explore the charming fishing village of Saundersfoot?
You won’t want to miss out on this elegant coastal experience at a restaurant described by The Michelin Guide 2023 as “picture perfect”.
4. Three-course meal at a celebrity chef restaurant in Buckinghamshire
Price: £39 for two
Does the foodie in your life love the spicy and sumptuous flavours of Indian cuisine? Then why not treat them to this divine three-course meal at Hawkyns?
Located in the quaint market town of Amersham, Hawkyns is owned by twice-awarded Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar, who you may recognise from television shows like Million Pound Menu and Masterchef: The Professionals.
At Hawkyns, Kochhar aims to distill the flavours, scents, and textures of the vast country of India into one menu – taking you on a vivid gastronomical trip across his birth country.
Found inside The Crown Hotel, a Grade-II Listed 16th-century coaching inn, Hawkyns Restaurant provides a unique East meets West feel. And while it’s located amongst the rolling greenery of the Chiltern Hills, Amersham is less than an hour outside London via the Metropolitan line, so it’s well-connected to the rest of the country!
This member-exclusive deal from Travelzoo offers a delectable three-course meal at Hawkyns for two for only £39.
5. Two-course bottomless brunch in central London
Price: £50 for two
Who says you need to wait until five o’clock to get into the party spirit? This bottomless brunch at the SOUND Cafe in central London offers an exciting mix of tasty food and endless drinks. It’s a good choice for any food lover in your life who enjoys a boozy day out.
Formerly the Hard Rock Cafe Oxford Street – which was often frequented by iconic artists like Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Madonna, and Stevie Wonder – the SOUND Cafe at The Cumberland is steeped in musical heritage. The walls are adorned with legendary pieces of music memorabilia, so as well as enjoying the excellent food, you’ll be immersed in exciting cultural heritage.
The SOUND Cafe’s central location means that it’s well-paired with other London activities to make the most of your day out. Why not take a stroll around the regal grounds of Hyde Park, pop down the road for a bit of retail therapy on Oxford Street, or catch a matinee show in the West End?
6. Three-course meal at a traditional thatched inn, Dartmoor
Price: £39 for two
Wild, rugged, and endlessly picturesque, Dartmoor National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. The vast moorlands are ideal for walking and camping, and ancient sites – like the ruins in Okehampton – offer rich and fascinating stories just waiting to be discovered.
Nestled on the edge of this lush Eden is the Bearslake Inn, a beautiful 13th-century thatched pub. Through Travelzoo, you can gift your favourite foodie this three-course meal experience for two. Described by The AA as “delightfully cosy”, the Bearslake Inn is famous for its comforting food that feels home-cooked – ideal for warming your belly after a crisp spring or winter’s walk on the moor.
The Bearslake Inn also isn’t far from the bustling market town of Okehampton, the thundering waters of Lydford Gorge, and many more iconic sights – so if you aren’t from the local area, you could even make a weekend of it and explore everything Dartmoor has to offer.
Travelzoo is currently offering an overnight stay for two at The Bearslake Inn, complete with breakfast for £129.
7. Welsh-inspired meal in three locations
Price: £35 for two
Whether you’re just visiting or you’ve lived in Wales all your life, indulging in a meal that incorporates the country’s traditional ingredients and flavours can be a delicious learning experience.
Characterised by rich, hearty flavours – fit for workers returning from harsh days in the fields or mines – traditional Welsh food has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Expect crisp cockles with tartar sauce, tangy Welsh rarebit cheese, laverbread, and rich game meats, among other unique flavours from the Land of Dragons.
With this deal from Travelzoo, you can immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of Wales. It’s available in three locations: Cardiff, Swansea, and Neath.
8. Steak, unlimited fries, and a cocktail in London
Price: £55 for two
For meat lovers, there’s nothing better than a quality steak dinner. So why not treat your loved one to this food experience at Smith & Wollensky?
Founded in New York in 1977, Smith & Wollensky steakhouses spread across the U.S. before opening their first branch in London in 2015. In their half-century of operation, their name has become synonymous with luxury cuts of meat cooked to perfection.
Situated in the bustling neighbourhood of Covent Garden, Smith & Wollensky’s London location sports a classy Art Deco interior that’ll whisk you away to the glitz and glamour of the roaring 20s. Having been featured in a range of films and TV shows – including The Crown and Fleabag – Smith & Wollensky offers an exceptional dining experience for any recipient.
For just £55, this deal from Travelzoo gives you a steak meal for two. You’ll each get a 250g sirloin steak, unlimited fries or a Caesar salad, and a Gin Bramble cocktail.
9. Two-course meal with coffee in the Cotswolds
Price: £32 for two
For many of us, there’s nothing better than a delicious lunch or dinner in the classic ambience of an English pub. With this in mind, this two-course meal gift experience in the Cotswolds can make a great Christmas surprise for your friend or family member.
Set amongst the tranquil, softly undulating countryside of one of the UK’s most treasured natural areas, the ivy-clad Old House at Home Inn prides itself on its use of seasonal flavours.
If you aren’t from the area, why not pair this experience with a day trip to take in the full magic of the Cotswolds? The enchanting beechwood forests, luxuriant grassy fields, and winding riverside trails make it a paradise for people looking to lose themselves in nature.
There are also plenty of picturesque towns and villages to explore, including Castle Combe, a charming village five minutes away from the inn, which has been featured in many films.
10. Two-course meal with fizz at a rooftop restaurant in London
Price: £30pp
For some foodies, a quiet meal in the quaint countryside is the perfect idea of paradise – but what if your loved one prefers the hustle and bustle of the city? Set high amongst the towering peaks of London’s skyline, the rooftop terrace at Coq d’Argent offers delicious food and unparalleled views of the surrounding metropolis.
Head chef Damien Rigollet aims to serve tasteful, French-accented cuisine alongside great-quality wines. In fact, the restaurant won Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence in 2018, 2022, and 2023 for their selection of wines. Their heated rooftop garden is also a perfect place to enjoy a bite and a glass of wine, whatever the weather.
With this deal from Travelzoo, you can gift your favourite food lover a two-course set menu meal at this elegant, one-of-a-kind spot for £30 per person.
Final thoughts…
From up-scale, five-star meals in the heart of the capital to quaint country pub lunches, we hope you’ve enjoyed our list of gift experiences across England and Wales.
To explore more fantastic food gift experiences across the UK, head over to Travelzoo’s website using the button below.
Are you interested in any of these gift experiences? Or have you visited any of these restaurants before? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.