Cosy Bristol pub is named the most exclusive restaurant in the UK

British pubs are celebrated for their inviting atmospheres, quality beers, and satisfying meals. However, one particular establishment, The Bank Tavern in Bristol, has garnered international recognition, elevating it to the ranks of the world’s most exclusive dining destinations. Its roast dinners, priced at £19.95, are so sought-after that securing a reservation is notoriously difficult, with waiting lists stretching over a year.

The demand for a table at The Bank Tavern rivals the frenzy surrounding tickets for the Glastonbury Festival. When the pub opened its booking system on January 2nd after a four-year hiatus, all available slots for the entire year were filled within a mere 13 minutes. The overwhelming surge in traffic even crashed the pub's website, prompting staff to acknowledge the situation on social media.

The Bank Tavern is one of only two British establishments to feature on the list of most exclusive restaurants, securing sixth place overall. This places it significantly higher than the other UK entry, Nina in London, which appears further down the rankings.

The World's Most Exclusive Restaurants: A Top 20 List

The following list highlights the top 20 most exclusive restaurants worldwide, based on reservation difficulty and waiting times:

1. The Lost Kitchen, Freedom, Maine, USA (reservations via postcard only)
2. Rao’s, New York, USA (members only)
3. Disfrutar, Barcelona, Spain (365-day wait)
4. House of Prime Rib, San Francisco, USA (365-day wait)
5. El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain (330-day wait)
6. The Bank Tavern, Bristol, UK (365-day wait)
7. Pujol, Mexico City, Mexico (180-day wait)
8. Damon Baehrel, New York, USA (365-day wait)
9. Noma, Copenhagen, Denmark (90-day wait)
10. La Mercerie, Marseille, France (180-day wait)
11. Mugaritz, Gipuzkoa, Spain (180-day wait)
12. The Little Inn at Little Washington, Washington, USA (180-day wait)
13. Firedoor, Sydney, Australia (180-day wait)
14. Osteria Francescana, Modena, Italy (90-day wait)
15. De Librije, Zwolle, Netherlands (180-day wait)
16. Mesa 1, Punta de Mita, Mexico (180-day wait)
17. Nina, London, UK (180-day wait)
18. Tsuke Edomae, Austin, USA (180-day wait)
19. Orso, Anchorage, USA (180-day wait)
20. Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train, North Woodstock, USA (180-day wait)

The list was compiled by restaurant booking specialists for Dojo, a financial technology firm. The researchers identified the restaurants with the most challenging reservation processes globally, considering factors such as reservation waiting times and social media engagement.

The Bank Tavern, situated on John Street, is a relatively small establishment with only seven tables and seating for 40 diners. The pub's popularity surged after winning The Observer Food Monthly Awards’ best roast category in 2019. This accolade transformed an already substantial six-month waiting list into an even more daunting four-year backlog.

The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters, leading to the cancellation of numerous bookings. The pub prioritized offering these cancelled slots to those who had previously missed out on reservations. Only after clearing this backlog was The Bank Tavern able to reopen its booking system for 2024, resulting in the recent annual scramble for reservations.

Landlord Sam Gregory highlighted the dedication of his team in 2020, stating, "We don’t repeat the same menu, and although we always have beef, we also do pork, some vegetarian options, and perhaps venison or poultry. We change the starters and desserts weekly, so the menu is never the same. Most of it is down to the herculean effort of our head chef and kitchen team.”

The Bank Tavern emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, obtaining its meat from farms in the West Country. Regular patrons even contribute surplus produce from their own gardens. The pub underwent renovations during the lockdown period and had previously received recognition at the 2018 Bristol Good Food Awards.

At the pinnacle of the list of the world’s most exclusive dining experiences is The Lost Kitchen, located in Maine, USA. This restaurant employs a unique reservation system, requiring prospective diners to send a postcard with their contact information. The restaurant then randomly selects postcards, typically in April, and contacts those fortunate enough to be chosen.

Another American restaurant, Rao’s in New York, holds the second position. This members-only institution has played host to numerous celebrities throughout the years but is primarily composed of long-standing patrons who have secured their coveted spots through years of dedicated patronage.