THREE Wiltshire restaurants have been named as being among Britain's best after being listed in the Michelin Guide 2023.
They are the Bybrook at The Manor House in Castle Combe, Restaurant Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park, Colerne, and The Dining Room at Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa in Malmesbury.
The Bybrook at Castle Combe and Restaurant Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park have both been awarded One Michelin Star for the past six years.
Ricki Weston, the executive chef at The Dining Room was promoted in January 2022 following departure of Niall Keating. The One Michelin Star is his second.
Robert Potter, executive chef at the Bybrook at Castle Combe said: “I couldn’t be happier to retain our Michelin star status again.
"The team here at Bybrook put all their energy into making sure each dish is perfect whilst ensuring sustainability and quality is our number one priority.
"The new refurbishment of Bybrook, means the guest experience is even more spectacular now too.”
The Michelin Guide is the ultimate bible for foodies who are looking to dine out at some of the best restaurants in the country, if not the world.
Its Michelin Star awards are usually regarded as the culinary pinnacle for any restaurant wanting to prove they serve some of the best dishes available anywhere.
A Michelin Star is a sign of quality and eateries can be awarded zero to three stars based on five areas: quality of ingredients, mastery of flavour and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in the cuisine, value for money and consistency of food.
Bybrook at Castle Combe - The Guide says: “Dining here is a very formal experience: drinks and snacks are served in the bar, before a set dinner in the cavernous dining room with its large feature wall, flower arrangements, leather chairs and immaculately laid solid oak tables.
“Sustainable home-grown and local produce plays a pivotal role in the cooking, which results in a flavoursome blend of simple and more luxurious ingredients. Dishes are precisely prepared and arrive in refined, tried-and-tested combinations with modern overtones.”
Restaurant Hywel Jones at Luckham Park - The Guide says: “Executive Chef, Hywel Jones has held a Michelin star at the restaurant since 2006 and offers guests an unforgettable dining experience.
“In his quest for perfection, Hywel uses the finest ingredients to ensure the fullest flavours and where possible sources from local suppliers.”
The Dining Room at Whatley Manor - The Guide says: “Executive Chef Ricki Weston oversees both the elegant restaurant and the intimate dining room; for a special occasion book the latter, with its neutral décor and serene, romantic feel.
“The evening starts with snacks in the kitchen, before moving on to the 7 course set menu, which includes vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian versions.
“Don’t be misled; the terse, understated descriptions belie the detail and creativity that goes into the modern, artfully presented dishes, which come with some intriguing contrasts of texture and flavour.
“The wine list features both vegan and biodynamic options, as well as plenty of mature wines.”
The quality of service and the restaurants’ decoration are not part of the equation when stars are awarded, but these are shown by the number of 'covers' a restaurant is given, shown by the fork and spoon symbol.
A total of 23 new restaurants received new awards this year, with 20 restaurants firstly being awarded one Michelin Star, and three new restaurants being awarded two.
Four restaurants were also awarded a Green Star, an award for sustainable practices.
A total of eight restaurants have three Michelin Stars, and five of them are based in London.
Heston Blumenthal's innovative and modern eatery, The Fat Duck which is in Bray, was also awarded Three Stars.
The Michelin Stars were awarded at the Michelin Guide Ceremony Great Britain & Ireland Guide 2023 yesterday.
Last week, 20 new restaurants across the UK were awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, which highlights great quality at great value. The award is named after Bibendum – the official name of the Michelin Man.
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