chapters one, reviews

In a nutshell, what we have is a Michelin starred restaurant serving truly exceptional food at prices that would have the average high street chain worried. Located near Bromley, it’s within easy reach of the M25 on the Kent/Surrey border, making it an especially realistic proposition for those who live south of the river. Read more

“Despite the many Michelin-starred gourmet bolt holes scattered throughout this country, and the notable advancement of the British food scene over the past decade, there is still much talk of not being able to find a decent restaurant outside of London and our other major cities. " By Rosie Birkett Read More

“If Chapter One had a W1 postcode, it would be one of the most coveted tables in all London. Instead, like Bruce Poole at the legendary Chez Bruce in Wandsworth, Michelin starred Andrew McLeish thrives on delivering a local restaurant de luxe of superlative all-round calibre that transcends expectations of neighbourhood dining. And it offers phenomenal value too." By Sudi Pigott Read More

“Chapter One is both an outstanding local restaurant and a culinary experience worth travelling for.”
Rosie Birkett is a freelance food writer and a regular contributor to the Guardian.

“Quite frankly this is a restaurant that has no equal for miles around.”
Sudi Pigott, author of the best seller “How To Be A Better Foodie”

"Chapter One is both an outstanding local restaurant and a culinary experience worth travelling for. If you’re looking for affordable, consistent and lovingly well-executed food in relaxed but smart surroundings, you could do a lot worse than making the visit to Locksbottom.”
Rosie Birkett, freelance write for The Guardian

"The dining experience is elegant and grown up and the food matches this theme. With kitchens run by Andrew McLeish formerly of The five star Landmark Hotel and The Ritz, it is not difficult to see why Chapter One is a hit with both locals and out of towners, particularly as there is also a private dining room for parties which can manage up to sixty people for drinks."City Wealth

“Everything a good restaurant should be – this classy operation is all the more worth knowing about.Andrew McLeish’s cuisine would be a special treat anywhere, though, and it has a huge following.” Harden’s UK Restaurant Guide 2009

Chapter One is home to Andrew McLeish's much acclaimed cooking. The front door opens to a world of refinement, from the spacious dining room with its new metropolitan styling and serene pastel tones, to the suave, professional and welcoming service. McLeish's confident and accomplished cooking aptly suits the surroundings and takes a Modern European approach based on classical techniques, with dishes displaying plenty of innovation alongside distinct flavours, balanced combinations and high skill."AA Guide 2008

"An 'expensive-looking renovation' in early 2007 has further boosted acclaim for this now more svelte-looking establishment, where Andrew McLeish's 'surprising' and absolutely superb' cusine' deserves to be meaured against the stars of the West End" Harden's Guide 2008

"The suburban half-timbered exterior of Chapter One belies the glamorous new interior with shimmering silver window treatments, dramatic red lampshades and chic chocolate walls, yet the restaurant remains astonishingly - shout-from-the-rooftops-good value for food and service of such verve and finesse." Good Food Guide 2008

"Mcleish's confident and accomplished cooking aptly suits the surroundings and takes a modern European approach based on classical techniques, with dishes displaying plenty of innovation alongside distinct flavours, balanced combinations and high skill.Quality ingredients are certainly handled with consummate integrity.The menu reads like central London luxury with suburban prices – lunch offering fantastic value at this level.The wine list shows admirable pedigree too" AA Guide 2007

"Chapter One remains our top choice for dining out in South-East London. What makes the journey worthwhile is the warm welcome from the staff, the fair prices and the exceptional cooking. The wine list is well thought out and offers an admirable choice by the glass and half bottle. All in all, a taste of top-end fine dining way out in the suburbs" Square Meal 2007

"Chapter One is home to Andrew McLeish's justly acclaimed cooking, which uses prime ingredients in novel and purposeful ways. The range of choice among main course dishes is cheering indeed. Desserts are no less creative with blood orange trifle, chocolate marquise with kirsched cherries." Good Food Guide 2006

"The front door opens to chic refinement; from suave and welcoming waiting staff – who successfully mix friendliness with real service – to the spacious, elegant and stylish Metropolitan-style dining room. Expect grand cru cooking and evolved classics from the talented Andrew McLeish. His modern-focused style, based around classical techniques and dishes, displays innovation, consummate technical skill and wonderfully distinct flavours and balanced combinations." AA Restaurant Guide 2006

"The cooking competes with some of London's best restaurants." The Times

"A restful place given over to seriously stylish cooking in the modern French mode. Andrew McLeish has imported a lustrous sense of polish to what he does." Good Food Guide 2005

"A top-notch West End restaurant in the suburbs. Chapter One is a well-established suburban oasis whose excellent-value, modern cuisine has won an enormous following." Harden's Guide 2005

"The verve and precision of the cooking, with every dish tasting strongly of its ingredients, and the friendly service explains why the locals as well as refugees from London fill every available chair at Chapter One.

Within minutes every chair is filled in the long, low dining room. There are two reasons why it's so packed; first, the skill of the chef Andrew McLeish, who trained at the Ritz; and second, the keen pricing" Elfreda Pownell, Sunday Telegraph Magazine

"Chapter One is a restaurant with a winning formula, serving exceptional food at highly accessible prices. Andrew McLeish's dishes display distinct flavours and a lack of fuss and are well balanced, with great value menus that include plenty of luxury ingredients."
Peter Birnie, the AA's Chief Hotel & Restaurant Inspector, on Chapter One winning the coveted title of AA Restaurant of the Year for 2004

"West End style modern-European cuisine at suburban prices." The Independent

"Imagine the best restaurant you have ever been to. Now forget it and go to Chapter One."Lucy Parks, South East London & Kentish Mercury

"Restaurants serving fine food at reasonable prices are hard to find so Chapter One is a rarity "OK Magazine

"Impressive...a breath of fresh air " Time Out Magazine