Taking the grand prize of overall winner is Lucky Lychee, an utterly charming Malaysian restaurant run from a Greene King pub in Winchester – a city better known for its plethora of chain restaurants than thriving independents. When nominations opened in March, hundreds of fans piled in with support: ‘After more than 20 years living and working in Southeast Asia this was probably one of the best Malaysian meals I have eaten in the UK,’ read one. ‘I’m not local but it’s worth travelling from Bedfordshire!’ added another. Matching Nicole Yeoh’s superlative cooking – which draws on her Nyonya heritage using top-quality local produce – is husband James Harris, an incredibly warm and welcoming host who delivers a dynamic wine list. It’s a place for birthday celebrations, young families or impromptu solo dinners.

It offers excellent value for money with an early evening express menu for just £13.

The Good Food Guide’s editor, Chloë Hamilton, said: ‘Finding a restaurant like Lucky Lychee is what our Best Local Restaurant awards are all about.’

Reflecting on their win, James and Nicole said: ’We’ve created a very personal experience in Lucky Lychee and it’s the kind of place we wanted in our city. Malaysia has one of the world’s best food cultures and we’re proud to present some of the lesser-known dishes from Nicole’s heritage: each dish is her personal take, combining traditional Malaysian techniques with local and seasonal ingredients. The award is a fantastic recognition of our young and passionate team, who have worked so hard to get us here. More than anything, we’re grateful to the customers who have supported us from the very start and who create the unique atmosphere of enjoyment and fun.’

While the rising cost of dining out has hit the wallets of customers all over Britain, a major feature of this year’s list is affordability, with £15 lunch menus proving particularly popular. Lucky Lychee's menu will feed customers well for less than £20 per head, usually with a drink included.

Now in its 15th year, these awards spotlight brilliant, independently run venues that define affordable and accessible dining across Britain. From Argyll to Anglesey, Newcastle to the Cornish coast, nearly 60,000 public nominations poured in from diners eager to champion their favourite spots.

The Guide's anonymous inspectors criss-crossed the country to put these nominations to the test, revealing how Britain really eats in 2025. In a recent survey*, 61% of diners said that eating out has become too expensive for them this year. This 2025 list celebrates wine bars serving sensational small plates, neighbourhood bistros breathing life into faded seaside towns, and the cherished family-run gems where you can enjoy a great meal for under £20.

Read more about this year's winners across the country here.