Restaurants worth a mention in the bible of fine dining
THE SEVEN LISTINGS FOR STAFFORDSHIRE IN THE MICHELIN GUIDE
BEING included in The Michelin Guide is a mark of quality in the restaurant industry.
Restaurants are rewarded for the quality of their dishes, as well as their imagination and originality, with a place in the hallowed directory.
And here in Staffordshire, excluding Stoke, we are fortunate enough to have six eateries that have joined that exclusive club.
Included in the county’s entries are gastropubs, traditional restaurants and boutique businesses.
Whether you like hearty grub with a twist, gourmet-style dishes or something completely different, you are well catered for in “the creative county”.
Below, we have collated a list of the Staffordshire restaurants included in the guide, with information about each one that may well get your tastebuds tingling.
The Boat Inn
Address: Walsall Road, Lichfield. What Michelin says about it: “This old roadside hostelry was once backed by a canal and its walls are filled with black and white photos of the area’s locks. Refined modern dishes are colourful and eye-catching, and the chef likes to make local, organic ingredients the stars of the show including their home-raised chickens and pigs.” Eye-catching dishes: Beef shin raviolo with ox heart, smoked eel, mushroom and beef consommé; Halibut with glazed salsify, kale and caviar fish sauce.
99 Station Street
Address: Station Street, Burton. What Michelin says about it: “Amongst the vast brewing towers of Burton-on-trent, you’ll find this bright, boldly decorated neighbourhood restaurant run by two experienced locals. They make everything on the premises daily and showcase regional ingredients; don’t miss the bread and butter pudding.” Eye-catching dishes: Chargrilled kofta-style lamb with red cabbage slaw and mint yoghurt; Fillet of seabass towered with locally-cured bacon, button mushrooms and a chive volute.
The Red Lion
Address: Smithy Lane, Bradley, near Stafford
What Michelin says about it: “If you’re travelling the M6, divert off to this village pub, where you’ll find an airy bar, a conservatory, a snug and a dining room hung with photos of the pub through the ages. Menus offer plenty of choice, with hearty, flavoursome dishes ranging from sticky braised beef to curry-spiced salmon Kiev.”
Eye-catching dishes: Saag aloo pie, crushed minted peas and masala fries; Battered fish finger sandwich with tartar sauce and baby gem lettuce.
Larder
Address: Bore Street, Lichfield. What Michelin says about it: “‘All flavour, no pomp’ is the tagline at this relaxed, warmly run restaurant – and that’s exactly what you’ll get. Sit in the boldly decorated first floor restaurant or book a seat at the chefs table to be close to the action. Attractively presented modern dishes are sure to satisfy.” Eye-catching dishes: Lamb rump with braised baby gem lettuce, potato terrine, chimichurri sauce and broad bean and tomato ragù; kombu braised hispi – shitake mushroom broth, seaweed granola, chilli broccoli, pickled onion and lotus root crisp.
The George
Address: Alstonefield, near Ashbourne.
What Michelin says about it: “’Expect to rub shoulders with locals and walkers alike at this sleepy village’s welcoming pub. Concise menus offer a good range of dishes with well-judged combinations and a modern edge. Most ingredients come from within 15 miles, including fruit and veg from the garden and rare breed meats.” Eye-catching dishes: Evening taster menu featuring: Saddleback pork, chorizo, apple, scratchings, sausage roll and asparagus; strawberry textures dessert with Earl Grey cream and vanilla.
Duncombe Arms
Address: Main Road, Ellastone. What Michelin says about it: “A stylish dining pub owned by the Hon. Johnny Greenall and his wife – a descendant of the Duncombe family. There are several cosy rooms to choose from, each with their own identity, and menus mix pub classics with more ambitious restaurantstyle dishes. Luxurious bedrooms overlook the countryside..” Eye-catching dishes: The 40-day dry aged Dunwood farm rib-eye steak with beef fat roast onion, pickled shallot, beef jus and hand-cut thick chips; smoked haddock brandade with potato dumpling.