This week saw the announcement of the restaurants with Michelin Stars, and the North West did exceptionally well indeed.
Manchester managed to retain its star with Mana, as did many of the other outstanding restaurants just a short drive away. There was also an additional star for L’Enclume, and some new additions.
Anyway, here’s where you can get the very best Michelin-starred experiences within a one hour and thirty minute drive outside central Manchester…
The White Swan at Fence (⭐)
Burnley, Lancashire (40 minutes away)
If anywhere was to debunk the myth that Michelin starred restaurants have to be stuffy and pretentious it would be The White Swan just outside of Burnley. On the surface, it is a lively local pub serving craft ales, fine wines and a one Michelin starred menu by “mischievous genius” Chef Tom Parker that has a reputation which is nothing other than outstanding. The menu is small with a three-course tasting menu for £60 which won’t break the bank either.
Northcote (⭐)
Blackburn, Lancashire (1 Hour away)
This Michelin starred restaurant tucked away in the Ribble Valley in the Lancashire hills is known for its elegance and sophistication. Lead by executive chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen, the team behind Northcote is famous for their Northern spin on fine dining. As well as this, expect some good old fashioned Northern hospitality too – which is refreshing, to say the least in a fine dining environment.
Northcote, Northcote Road, Langho, BB6 8BE
Moor Hall (⭐⭐)
Aughton Lancashire (1 Hour away)
Moor Hall can boast 2 Michelin stars for a bloody good reason. The outstanding team is headed up by Mark Birchall who has created a stunning, delicate, produce driven menu inspired by the natural and native surroundings. Additionally, the tasting menu Moor Hall is famous for its on-site cheese room which is curated to house the best and most delicious of the local cheeses in the area.
The Barn, Prescot Road, Aughton, L39 6RT
The Barn at Moor Hall (⭐)
Aughton Lancashire (1 Hour away)
A rustic, restored barn that sits on the same site as Moor Hall, The Barn is a decidedly more informal affair than its larger sibling – but still continues the same ethos of stunning produce-driven dishes. Most of the ingredients come from the five-acre grounds both restaurants sit on, and The Barn offers up a modern and appealing à la carte menu, plus a set lunch meal that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
The Barn, Prescot Road, Aughton, L39 6RT
The Man Behind the Curtain (⭐)
Leeds, West Yorkshire (1 hour away)
Known in the industry for his modern and often unusual food, Michael O’Hare’s flagship restaurant The Man Behind the Curtain has been making a serious name for itself since 2014. To say Hare’s food is ‘cutting edge’ is an understatement of epic proportions. His ever-evolving 10-14 course menus include delicious oddities that will dazzle and impress with every iteration.
The Man Behind The Curtain, 68-78 Vicar Lane, Leeds, LS1 7JH
Fraiche (⭐)
Birkenhead (1 Hour 10 away)
A unique restaurant on a quiet suburban street in the tiny Victorian village of Oxton in Birkenhead, feeding just 12 diners a night with a global tour of delicate dishes with a playful edge. Chef Marc Wilkinson has passionately crafted a true institution over the last 13 years, a restaurant that just keeps improving with age – like a fine wine. Which you should definitely get with your meal too by the way.
Fraiche, 11 Rose Mount, Oxton, Birkenhead, CH43 5SG
The Angel at Hetton (⭐)
Hetton (1 Hour 20 Minutes away)
Michael Wignall took over The Angel at Hetton back in 2018, and was awarded a Michelin star in the following year, which was maintained this year. This exceptional gastropub sits in a stunning 15th Century stone inn, deep in the Yorkshire Dales. A naturally simplistic, but nonetheless glorious restaurant menu that features the likes of Local Hare Loin, Lemon Sole, Yorkshire Venison, Iberico Secreto Pork and garden-inspired vegetarian options.
The Angel, Hetton, BD23 6LT
L’Enclume (⭐⭐⭐)
Cartmel, Cumbria, (1 Hour 30 Minutes away)
Simon Rogan (ex chef-patron at The French here in Manchester) heads up this iconic, riverside hideaway in the heart of Cumbria. Creativity and passion blooms from every dish where home-grown, hand-picked ingredients flourish. The connection with nature is absolutely mind-blowing, and Rogan’s farm to plate philosophy is exactly why L’Enclume deserves its three stars – a first EVER for any restaurant outside of London (and Bray).
L’Enclume, Cavendish Street, Cartmel, LA11 6PZ
HRiSHi (⭐)
Bowness-on-Windermere, (1 Hour 30 minutes away)
Head Chef Hrishikesh Desai combines great Lake District produce and classic methods to deliver unbelievable textures and flavours to create modern British cuisine with a twist. Think Norfolk Quail three ways, chilli glazed poached lobster and bergamot pannacotta with a tasting of summer rhubarb. This one is a real treat too with a full tasting menu for two (with paired wines) coming in at £330 – so maybe save this one for a special occasion.
HRiSHi, Crook Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3NE
The Old Stamp House (⭐)
Ambleside (1 Hour 40 Minutes away)
A tiny restaurant in the centre of Ambleside, The Old Stamp House occupies the cellars of an old house where William Wordsworth used to work. Owned by brothers Ryan and Craig Blackburn, they’ve manage to transfer their passion for all things regional into the menu, with bold, delicate flavours and each dish with a history or personal story attached. The Dinner Tasting Menu certainly won’t break the bank either, at just £85 per person.
Old Stamp House, Church Street, Ambleside, LA22 OBU
