My favourite restaurants: Dave Wall

From getting a job in a beach hotel to fund his post-A-level travels, to being the head chef at one of Britain's most esteemed pubs, Dave Wall has certainly come a long way from flipping burgers in Sydney.

By the time he returned to the UK, Dave had officially fallen under the culinary spell. He quickly found a job at a local rural pub where he began his foray into the world of sustainable, farm-to-table cooking. With a kitchen garden attached to the pub and a farm directly next door, Dave was able to learn the fundamentals of cooking in a kitchen with a true appreciation and connection to their ingredients.

Dave went on to accrue an impressive CV, working under Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's and The Boxwood Cafe, as well as completing a stint at the two Michelin-starred Bibendum. However, despite the time spent in these fine dining establishments, it was his early training at the rural pub that had the most profound influence on Dave’s career.

For the past nine years, Dave has worked as the chef patron of The Unruly Pig in Suffolk. With head chef Karl Green by his side, the dynamic duo have led the pub to countless awards and accolades. Often referred to as the best gastropub in the UK, The Unruly Pig adopts a similar approach to their food as Dave encountered in the first pub he worked in. While they don’t have a farm attached to the restaurant, they do have the luxury of their Suffolk surroundings; with a sprawling coastline and a rich agricultural landscape, The Unruly Pig is able to source over 70% of their produce from within their own county. 

At The Unruly Pig, Dave and Karl offer a culinary celebration of British heritage. From the dishes they serve to the ingredients they use, the pair have wholeheartedly embraced all that the British landscape has to offer. The menu is a thoughtful blend of British tradition and Italian influence, presenting an approachable take on fine dining. Using his Michelin star training, and appreciation for locally sourced produce, Dave has created a menu full of dishes you will crave for years to come.

With years of experience under his belt, and a deep-seated passion for British produce, who could be a better guide to the UK's best restaurants than Dave Wall? We asked the chef for his top five picks right now, and his answers did not disappoint. 

Restaurant 22, Cambridge

Dave says: ‘I love this restaurant owned by husband and wife team chef Sam Carter and Alex Olivier. A beautiful intimate converted Victorian townhouse, the food is delicious, sharp and precisely executed seasonal modern British and the service is warm, friendly and super relaxed. They were deservedly awarded a Michelin star a few years ago, a fantastic achievement proudly earned by the team. Cambridge is such a beautiful city too – lovely for a day out followed by a delicious tasting menu at Res 22.'
Where: 22 Chesterton Road, CB4 3AX
Book now: Restaurant 22

Meadowsweet, Holt 

Dave says: 'Another converted house bestowed with a Michelin star, Meadowsweet also has a few rooms making it perfect for a few days away in North Norfolk. Everything oozes class here, stripped back and elegant surroundings with incredible cooking by Greg Anderson and his team. The chefs even deliver all the dishes to the table and introduce them to the guests, a great touch that really adds to the experience. Rebecca has exceptional taste in wine and the flight is not to be missed! An astonishingly good restaurant.'
Where: 37 Norwich Road, NR25 6SA
Book now: Meadowsweet

Lark, Bury St Edmunds 

Dave says: 'A tiny but characterful building that has had many guises, most recently a florist, but now converted into a stylish eatery by James and Sophia Carn. James delivers a menu of small plates packed with massive flavours! The menu regularly changes and moves rapidly with the seasons, and all of the dishes are mega tasty. Lark is quickly establishing itself as a top restaurant and snapping up a slurry of awards and widespread praise.'
Where: 6A Angel Hill, IP33 1UZ
Book now: Lark

The Bridge Arms, Canterbury

Dave says: 'The second pub from superstar couple Dan and Natasha Smith is perfect for a relaxing meal with friends. It’s beautifully and classily decorated offering top drawer cooking from this multi-Michelin starred couple who also have The Fordwich Arms, another cracking pub just a few miles down the road (even better, make a weekend of it and visit both. They even have The Arms Cottage you can rent for the night, much recommended with super comfy beds!). A few beers after dinner around the huge fireplace in this coaching inn is a must.
Where: 53 High Street, CT4 5LA
Book now: The Bridge Arms

The Grill by Tom Booton at The Dorchester, Mayfair

Dave says: 'The Dorchester might not be my normal haunt but the cooking by legend Tom Booton is a top pull! I worked with Tom a long time ago when he was only 18 and could see how far he was going to go even then, a real superstar. The food is delicious and full of flavour, and Tom has a unique style that feels really different from the pack. Relaxed and accessible cooking in very posh surroundings!'
Where: 53 Park Lane, W1K 1QA
Book now: The Grill by Tom Booton at The Dorchester

Looking for some more expert recommendations to add to your list? We’ve also asked top chefs Paul Ainsworth, Mike Davies and Ramael Scully for their top picks.