Trade boost for latest pubs awarded Michelin stars

Business is booming for the two pubs most recently awarded Michelin stars.

The Hand & Flowers in Marlow, Buckingham-shire, and the Masons Arms in South Molton, Devon, have reported an increase in bookings since they gained a star last month.

Tom Kerridge, chef/licensee at Greene King pub the Hand & Flowers said: 'We're fully booked every night. People are booking three to four weeks in advance for Saturday nights. Lunch-time trade has picked up but a few of the basic dishes, like fish and chips, have dropped off because people see the star and go for à la carte.'

Mark Dodson, chef/proprietor of freehold the Masons Arms, reported a steadier growth in trade, but found curiosity has increased wet sales.

Dodson worked at Michel Roux's Waterside Inn in Bray for 18 years.

He said: 'I think with things like Michelin it's not an instant hit - it's more about raising awareness. Having said that, we've taken bookings as far in advance as the summer.

'More people have been in for drinks - I think they are curious to see what the pub is like. Many of them go away with a brochure or a menu.'

Both chefs want to spend the next year consolidating their success. Neither plans to increase prices or expand the size of their eating areas.

'I don't want to extend the eating area because I don't want it to become a restaurant and not a pub. We've kept our prices the same and we still have a few regulars that come in just for drinks. Michelin is about quality - not about raising prices,' said Kerridge.

'We want to keep hitting the high standards every day,' added Dodson.

There are now eight pubs which hold a prest-igious Michelin star.