The Woodspeen and Damson Restaurant recognised in Square Meal’s Top 100 UK Restaurants for 2025

Two restaurants near Newbury have been recognised among the Top 100 UK restaurants outside of London.

The Woodspeen and Damson Restaurant both made the cut for the Top 100 UK Restaurants for 2025 compiled by leading independent restaurant guide SquareMeal.

Judges once again praised The Woodspeen as being a smart country restaurant with charming services and a perfect menu.

Reacting to the news, general manager Nunzio Giunta said: “We are so pleased to be recognized by SquareMeal once more in 2025.

“It’s testament to the tireless dedication and genuine enthusiasm that our team brings to work every single day, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that passion reflected in guest feedback.”

And The Damson, formerly The Winterbourne Arms, was also lauded by judges as being a must-visit destination housed in a rustic cosy interior with a modern twist.

“We’re extremely humbled by it,” said head chef Henry Kremer-Ireson, who previously co-managed Henry & Joe’s in Newbury’s Cheap Street.

“To be on a list with some of the restaurants on there is amazing and it’s something we’re very proud of,” he continued.

“And to have done it in just under 18 months as well is testament to the hard work that myself and the team have put into it and the experience we’ve given to customers.

“It’s an amazing way to start the year and hopefully this time next year, we’ll be higher up the list.”

SquareMeal, the only list of its kind to exclude London restaurants, aims to reflect Britain’s varied dining scene featuring everything from fine dining restaurants to gastropubs.

Rankings are based on thousands of reader votes and expert critiques from SquareMeal’s team.