Michelin guide 2019: Welsh restaurant retains star despite plans to return it
The Welsh restaurant that announced it wanted to return its Michelin star rating has retained the accolade according to the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2019 Selection.
The owners of The Checkers in Montgomery, Wales said they wanted to give back the Michelin star after featuring in the guide since 2011 as they wanted to change the direction of the business and relaunch in mid-November. However, the French restaurant appears in the list with a one-star rating.
Owner Kathryn Francis told Catering Today that the restaurant’s inclusion “was a bit of a surprise” given the company’s change in direction but added it was “no less exciting” to see them recognised for an eighth year. “It is a huge honour and our place has been an important part of our restaurants success since we opened in 2011. The changes will continue as planned with The Checkers moving to a day time only operation with breakfast, light lunches, coffee and of course our B&B accommodation.
“Changing the format of our business is about making it work for us and our families – it is very much a lifestyle choice, and our location means that our current offering simply would not transfer to day time trade. We have treasured our star and to see our name in the 2019 guide is an unexpected bonus – Stéphane will be in the kitchen until the end of October and will join us for occasional pop up suppers throughout the year.”
The full list of starred restaurants was announced at a ceremony at BFI IMAX, London on 1 October which was hosted by former race car driver Amanda Stretton. This year’s guide saw three new additions to the two-star rating and 21 new one-star restaurants.
