There have been many changes in the British restaurant world over the past 20 years such as the introduction of ‘pop-up’ restaurants, celebrity chef restaurant chains and more international cuisine but one thing has remained constant: The AA Restaurant Guide.
The new 2013 AA Restaurant Guide is the 20th edition of the famous foodies’ bible. The number of restaurants in the guide has increased: the first 1992 guide had around 700 “of Britain’s best and most interesting up and coming places to eat”, while the 2013 edition has over 2,000 “professionally inspected restaurants, from village inns to smart city eateries”.
The introduction of the guide also saw the launch of the new AA Rosette scheme for culinary skills increasing the awards from one to three rosettes up to five rosettes broadening the criteria to encompass a much wider spread of restaurant styles. The original edition had just four five Rosette restaurants whilst the latest one has nine restaurants achieving the highest grade of five Rosettes.
Only a handful of restaurants have appeared in all 20 AA Restaurant Guides, with Raymond Blanc of Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons, being the only chef to have appeared in every edition of the guide with five Rosettes.
• The long lasting success of the AA Restaurant Guide is down to the fact that it does not just include the elite restaurants. All restaurants in the guide have from one to five Rosettes allowing a greater element of choice when selecting somewhere to eat.
• While the past 20 years has seen many new innovations in restaurants such as wireless payment terminals and wine lists on iPads, there are some things that have not changed in 20 years. These constants include the rising cost of mineral water, cover charges, rude customers, ill behaved children and customers who fail to honour their reservations, all of which were noted in the foreword of the very first edition of the guide and are still evident in restaurants today.
• The AA Restaurant Guide is available for £14.99.
New editions of the AA Hotel Guide, AA Pub Guide and AA Bed and Breakfast Guides
AA Hotel Guide
• The AA Hotel Guide is the standard-setter in lifestyle guidebooks and the longest-running guide of its type. The 2013 edition marks 100 years of the AA Star Rating scheme. The AA has been recommending hotels since 1908 but in 1912 it was felt that a more critical approach was necessary to indicate the kind of hotel listed in the handbook, and the AA star rating for hotels was born and establishments were awarded between one and five rosettes, depending on set criteria following a visit from an AA Hotel Inspector.
• The 46th edition has details of over 3500 establishments ranging from intimate, personally-run establishments to elegant country houses, fashionable boutique hotels, five Star rated hotels and over 500 budget hotels. This guide includes a feature on inspiring places to stay such as hotels with historical connections, stunning views or exquisite afternoon tea or cocktails. Each entry carries information on location, room numbers, facilities, contact details and pricing.
• RRP £14.99
AA Pub Guide
• For pub lovers the AA Pub Guide is a must. The Guide carries details of over 2,000 pubs selected for good food, real ale, character and comfort from traditional country inns or village hostelries to city favourites or Thai and Mexican speciality pubs. With a feature on the rise of speciality pubs serving culinary delights such as seafood, speciality pizzas or foreign food readers may be tempted to try something new. With details of location, opening times and leisure facilities, website and symbols such as AA Rosettes for food, AA Stars for accommodation and a wine glass to identify where a range of wines is available by the glass, the guide has all you need to find the perfect pub for your needs.
• RRP £14.99
AA Bed and Breakfast Guide
• Bed & Breakfast is an ever popular choice when it comes to accommodation for a holiday or short break and whether you are choosing for location, facilities or budget, the new AA Bed and Breakfast Guide 2013 has all the answers. The new updated guide features over 3,000 AA rated and inspected Bed & Breakfasts from rural farmhouses and country inns to city centre guest houses and funky boutique B&Bs. The guide also features an interview with Lorraine Allanson of Rains Farm, North Yorkshire winner of this year’s title of Friendliest Bed and Breakfast of the Year. All entries have details of prices, opening times, facilities, directions and website.
• RRP £12.99
• All the AA Lifestyle Guides are also available as apps for iPhone, iPad and Android.