In search of the UK's most remote Michelin stars

Some of the UK’s most interesting Michelin-starred restaurants are tucked away in remote corners. Here are five of our favourites.

By Natalie Paris
Published 9 Apr 2019, 00:22 BST
Red Lion Freehouse, a thatched country pub in East Chisenbury, whose signature dishes include warm crab ...

Red Lion Freehouse, a thatched country pub in East Chisenbury, whose signature dishes include warm crab tart.

Photograph by Sam Frost

1. Ynyshir, Powys

At this destination restaurant with rooms, just south of Snowdonia National Park, chef patron Gareth Ward draws on Japanese influences to create adventurous dishes. There’s an open kitchen and a ‘surprise’ menu of around 19 courses that’s previously included the likes of crab claw with katsu ketchup. Lunch or dinner £140. whiteswanatfence.co.uk

2. The Whitebrook, Monmouthshire

Foraged herbs appear throughout the menu at this spot in a forested corner of the Wye Valley. The must-try dish? Chef-owner Chris Harrod’s suckling pig, which recently wowed judges on BBC 2’s Great British Menu. Three courses from £39. redlionfreehouse.com

3. Red Lion Freehouse, Wiltshire

Guy Manning and his wife Brittany met at New York’s three-Michelin-star Per Se. Their current venture, a thatched country pub in East Chisenbury, is a far cry from Manhattan’s skyscrapers, but the commitment to top-quality food is the same. Guy looks after savouries, while Brittany handles desserts. Signature dishes include a warm crab tart. Two courses £24. thewhitebrook.co.uk

4. The White Swan, Lancashire

Cottage pies and Timothy Taylor ales? Sounds more Harvester than haute cuisine, but that hasn’t stopped The White Swan from gaining a Michelin star. French-born chef Tom Parker has put the village of Fence on the map by elevating British pub classics into fine dining showstoppers. Think partridge wellington, and quince and apple souffle. Two courses £25. ynyshir.co.uk

5. Braidwoods, Ayrshire

Nicola and Keith Braidwood keep the cooking simple at their cottage restaurant overlooking the Isle of Arran. It clearly works, as they’ve held a Michelin star for the past 20 years. Menu highlights include scallops on leeks, with an Arran mustard butter sauce. Two courses £29. braidwoods.co.uk

Published in the March 2019 issue of National Geographic Traveller Food (UK)

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