Bouchon Racine, a family-run French restaurant located above The Three Compasses pub in Clerkenwell, London, has been crowned the UK's best restaurant at the 2026 National Restaurant Awards. The venue, which opened in 2022, climbed from fifth place in the previous year's rankings to take the top spot, unseating the French fine-dining restaurant The Ritz.
Recognition for Traditional French Cuisine
The award highlights Bouchon Racine's comforting French food, described as among the best served nationwide. Restaurant Online praised the establishment, stating: "Not only is Bouchon Racine utterly charming, but it is also without doubt serving some of the best traditional French food in the country, and its victory this year once again demonstrates that you don't need a vast team or a huge budget to be named the best. Henry Harris' food is sensational with flavour put before anything else. This is more than just a bistro; it is a temple to great gastronomy and is well deserving of this year's top spot."
Inspiration and Atmosphere
The restaurant draws inspiration from the bouchons of Lyon and the bistros of Paris, according to its official website. Overlooking Cowcross Street, it offers "unashamed French cooking with a French led list and some fine apéritifs and digéstifs in an informal setting." The dining room has earned a 4.6-star rating on TripAdvisor, with numerous positive reviews.
Customer Praise
One reviewer commented: "An absolute delight! My foodie son (12) recommended we go here. With choices like this he can continue at the restaurant choosing helm!" Another wrote: "This was my second visit and certainly won't be my last. Everything was spot on; outstanding food, pleasant and professional service and a lovely ambience in the dining room. If you haven't been before just book it!"
Practical Information
Bouchon Racine is open Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm to 3pm and again from 6pm to 10pm. Reservations are available 30 days in advance.
