Gastropubs the Pentonbridge Inn, Carlisle, and Cumbria-based restaurant and inn Heft in Newton, Cartmel scooped the awards at the ceremony in Silverston yesterday.
The Pentonbridge Inn team said they were “overwhelmed” to be awarded one Michelin star. A spokesperson added: “This has been a long journey for our head chef Chris Archer, and the team at Pentonbridge Inn.
“Thank you to everyone who made this possible, and to our guests for being a part of this journey.”
Award-winning plates
The Michelin Guide described Archer as a chef who could deliver depth with just a handful of ingredients. It added that he didn’t need to fall back on gimmicks or unnecessary flourishes, as his food was all about well-judged combos of flavours and textures.
The 18th century inn sits in open countryside close to the Scottish border, and its last makeover gave it an inviting and contemporary feel that extends to its smart bedrooms, according to the Guide.
Heft is a 17th century village inn that has been restored by Cumbrian born-and-bred couple Kevin and Nicola Tickle.
Kevin’s inspiration for the tasting menu comes from the seasons, the surroundings, his imagination and his local foraging knowledge, according to the Guide, who said his dishes revealed “real depth and originality”.
The pair took to Instagram to celebrate the win, stating they were “lost for words” but “over the moon”. They’d be marking the occasion with Champagne.
Pubs including Tom Kerridge’s the Hand & Flowers and the Coach, both in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, have retained their stars.
Blown away
The Coach head chef Sarah Hayward also won big at last night’s awards taking home the Young Chef Award.
Celeb chef Tom Kerridge joined Hayward on stage to congratulate her as “tenacious and determined yet modest”.
Hayward said: “Wow, I am really blown away to be honest and really humbled to receive the ‘Young Chef Award’, what an honour. I have so much respect for Michelin and I know how proud my Dad will be, being a chef himself. I’m so grateful to my team and of course Tom Kerridge, who has helped me become the chef I am today and given me the confidence and belief that I can achieve anything”.
Maintaining two Michelin stars at the Hand & Flowers, head chef Tom De Keyser said: “I am delighted, myself, the kitchen and front of house team work so hard throughout the year to keep the standards as high as they can be and I couldn’t be prouder of the team. There will definitely be a few celebratory drinks!”.
