The UK’s best restaurants for Father’s Day

If your dad’s massively into his steaks, then we think he’ll love Hudson Steakhouse in Bath. This place specialises in prime dry-aged steaks, served in a relaxed, stylish conversion of an infamous Victorian pub. Owner Richard Fenton decided to take on the run down, edge of town pub and has masterminded its change, creating a destination restaurant that has won the best restaurant award from three different publications. By specialising in well sourced and dry-aged prime beef and serving them alongside delicious starters with a fusion influence and some mouthwatering classic dishes, Hudson Steakhouse is a sure-fire winner for Father’s Day.

Pairings in York is ideal for any dad who considers himself a bit of a foodie and doesn’t mind sharing his food. An independent wine bar and deli located on historic Castlegate in the heart of the City of York, Pairings specialises in locally sourced cured meats, cheese and fish served in the form of small plates, boards and platters. Award-winning and down-to-earth, Pairings is run by sisters Kelly and Kate who are passionate about pairing good quality wine and food. That passion stems right through the ethos of the place, which should bring your family together nicely for Father’s Day.

Gidi Grill in Dundee is a West African and Caribbean inspired grill restaurant fusing the most delicious sauces from around the world – perfect for dads who like a bit of spice in their dish. All the meats at Gidi Grill are marinated in a unique blend of house spices and grilled over charcoal. The specially selected cuts of meat used in the dishes are sourced locally too, to maintain the freshest taste. All the food here is authentic and faithful to its roots, brought to life in a delicious fashion.

For those looking to try something new, or for the dads who are missing a taste of home, feast on Gidi Grill’s surf n turf, grilled half chicken, snapper fillet and king prawns, jerk sweet fire wings, dusted & dropped calamari rings, and huge selection of jerk, BBQ, and hot sauces.

If you’re dad’s still just a big kid at heart, then we’d recommend Chance & Counters. It’s Cardiff’s first dedicated board gaming café, tucked off the high street, near Castle arcades. It’s a purpose-built space that board gamers of all ages and abilities can enjoy, from casual players to seasoned strategists. You and your pops can also fill yourselves on some pretty tasty burgers, too. From Bacon Cheeseburgers for the meat lovers to Beyond Meat patties for the plant-based eaters, pair these with some loaded fries or wings (chicken or cauliflower) and dad / big kid at heart will be very happy indeed. As well as Cardiff, Chance & Counters also has locations in Bristol and Birmingham.

Mekong is situated in the heart of the city inside the historical Derry walls. The award-winning restaurant is an ideal choice for dads that are fans of Asian food, because Mekong offers its own take on South East Asian cuisine. The team here travels once a year to Asia to gain insight to the authentic and flavourful cooking that comes from the countries connected to the Mekong River, which inspires its menu. Come hungry and be prepared to be taken on a culinary adventure.

While it’s often rotating, you can get a taste of what Mekong’s menu has to offer by imagining their crispy soy and ginger chicken wings, chilli chicken and lemongrass baos, North Eastern Thai cured salmon, steamed mussels with green chilli and coconut, and crispy beef laab balls with a sesame dip. The menu is perfect for sharing so get ordering and dig in!

More than a perfect location, Duck Bay is a family-run establishment priding itself on exceptional, home-from-home service and an ever popular restaurant, bar and terrace. We particularly love the chicken stuffed with Stornoway black pudding and wrapped in Parma ham (pictured), served alongside seasonal greens, fondant potato and peppercorn sauce.

Dubbed ‘lochside luxury,’ Duck Bay sits wonderfully on Loch Lomond with breathtaking views over the loch to Ben Lomond and the landscapes of Arden Hills. Ideal for those searching for some R&R over the Father’s Day weekend.

For the trendy dads out there, consider Crafty Burgers. Crafty St Martin’s is a cool, independent, family-run coffee shop restaurant providing brunch, lunch, and dinner menus with a passion for excellent coffee and homemade food in a relaxed, stylish and spacious environment with great pride in excellent customer service. Barista served coffee, homemade pastries including cinnamon buns and doughnuts, the brunch and lunch menus include breakfast buns, avocado toast, and burgers.

Oh those burgers! Burgers nights take place from Thursday to Saturday, and being fully licensed means you and the old man can wash down these tasty burgers with local craft beer and handpicked wines. The beef burgers are reared, butchered and dry-aged by Aubrey Allen Butchers, and the buns are baked daily by Milner’s Bakery of Blaby, so you know these babies are good. Take your pick from their 11 burgers, including a side of skin-on-fries fresh out of the fryer.

This stylish new-look bar and restaurant offers all day eating and drinking in a relaxed and comfortable environment. The glamorous Tree House restaurant has over 100 seats, as well as an intimate private dining room for up to 20 guests – perfect for family celebrations. The Tree House is all about simple dishes with big flavours. From early morning coffee and breakfast to leisurely lunches, laid back dinners and lavish celebrations, The Tree House has it all.

Head over for a full cooked breakfast and breakfast rolls, or head in later in the day and dine out on their dinner menu. You can expect to see avocado and sunflower seed hummus, lemongrass chicken satay, crispy tempura, Bloody Mary king prawn and crawfish cocktails, fish & chips, massaman curry, and three cheese mac and cheese.

Tom’s Dining Rooms is part of the family-run Skandia Group of restaurants serving food to locals and visitors to Northern Ireland for over 51 years. Open all day, seven days a week, this place offers extensive menus with meat, fish, vegan and vegetarian dishes with unique flavours as well as great dessert choices. On Sunday there’s also a very popular kitchen carvery, which is definitely worth booking in for!

While the menu is ever-changing, it’s always abundant with choices. Recent dishes have included halloumi fritters with chilli and honey, chorizo baked chicken, sizzling blackened chicken, rib eye 10oz, beef enchiladas, and Tom’s classic burger. There’s also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, and gluten-free picks.