Restaurant 209 in Farndon Celebrates Prestigious Accreditation for Gastronomy Excellence and Recognised for Sustainability

Restaurant 209, the intimate dining gem nestled in the heart of Farndon, has achieved a major milestone by being included in the 360° Eat Guide. Scoring an impressive 76-80 points for gastronomy and earning two sustainability circles, Restaurant 209 stands proudly among the nation’s leading destinations for conscious, world-class dining.

The 360° Eat Guide looks beyond what’s on the plate, evaluating restaurants on both their culinary mastery and their commitment to social, environmental, and economic sustainability. Restaurant 209’s recognition is a testament to its deeply rooted philosophy of celebrating community, minimising waste, and fostering a joyful, shared dining experience.

As part of the judge's round-up, they commented: “The friendly neighbourhood bistro serves food and wine that is almost exclusively local. The menu is small but perfectly formed around a zero-waste philosophy. Herbs and vegetables thrive in the in-house garden and greenhouse, while the staff is encouraged to do the same – thriving, that is.”

“We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised by the 360° Eat Guide,” said co-owner Anna Roseblade Shore. “To receive a gastronomic score matching some of the world's most celebrated restaurants while also being acknowledged for our sustainability ethos is an incredible validation of what we set out to do: to create a restaurant which is grounded in community, care, and craft."

Restaurant 209 offers a unique experience: a 26-cover, single-sitting dining room where guests are encouraged to savour their evening without the pressure of quick turnovers. Guests are welcomed into a calm, friendly environment where conversation, community spirit, and local pride are at the heart of every meal.

Owners Anna and Head Chef (and husband) Felix Shore live just 100 metres from the restaurant’s door and are passionate advocates for supporting the local economy. Sourcing produce within a 30–50 mile radius wherever possible, 209 works directly with local farmers, growers, and a trusted village butcher to champion British, seasonal ingredients. In a pioneering approach to sustainability, they embrace nose-to-tail butchery in-house, taking whole animals and ensuring that no part of the carcass is wasted.

Seasonality drives every menu decision - from preserving abundant local harvests like village-grown apples to crafting house-made condiments such as their much-loved brown sauce for brunch service. Their fish, sourced from Scotland via a trusted fisherman, is the only exception to their strict local sourcing ethos.

Felix said: “We work really hard alongside our staff to be environmentally conscious at every opportunity so after all of that hard work since we opened in September, it’s amazing to get this recognition.”

Pär Bergkvist, founder of 360°Eat Guide, said: “When 360°Eat Guide launched in 2019, there was a noticeable gap in restaurant guides concerning sustainability. Equally crucial as looking towards what’s being served on the plate, 360°Eat Guide delves into every aspect of sustainability. Diners now seek out establishments committed to these values. We have the right to demand more, and we are beginning to exercise that right!"

To read their entry in the 360 Eat Guide, click here.