THIS year's Michelin Star list has been revealed, and foodies will be pleased to learn that a few new Berkshire restaurants have made the list.
The rating system is used by the red Michelin Guide to grade restaurants on their quality.
According to the Guide, one star signifies "a very good restaurant", two stars are "excellent cooking that is worth a detour", and three stars mean "exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey".
Here are all the exciting eateries which have gained the respected accolade in the 2021 update.
The Blackbird, Newbury
Located in Bangor, Newbury, The Blackbird has just been given a Michelin Star award.
The Michelin Guide says: "This delightful inn sits in an equally charming hamlet and is the backbone of the local community.
"Experienced chef-owner Dom Robinson spent time working in London and Dubai before fulfilling his lifelong ambition of opening a place of his own – but he’s keen to keep this a proper, down-to-earth pub that the locals can be proud of, and this is helped along by his amiable serving team.
"Good quality ingredients feature in dishes with a largely classical French base and their unfussy, back-to-basics style belies the techniques involved in their preparation.
"At certain times of the year they offer freshly made pizzas, served at weekends in their beer garden, and there’s an array of deli items available to purchase to take home."
Visit the website here to find out more.
The Woodspeen, Newbury
Also located in Bangor, The Woodspeen sits in picturesque setting in the village.
The Guide said: "Despite being set in an old pub, this neighbourhood eatery has a contemporary feel, courtesy of its bright wood and glass extension which comes with a thatched roof, a vaulted larch ceiling and modern Scandic styling. Sit by the open-plan kitchen to watch the smooth efficiency of the chefs or book the chef’s table in the smart cookery school opposite to observe close-up the precision and accuracy with which the dishes are prepared.
"Mouth-watering menus centre on the seasons and bring together ingredients from the kitchen garden and the surrounding area.
"Flavour is paramount and dishes have a comforting, modern classic style – there are even some for two to share.
"The kitchen team are confident and service is charming and structured."
For more information, visit the website here.
Latymer, Bagshot
Latymer is part of a spa hotel, and has also made the 2021 list.
The Guide says: "The sprawling Pennyhill Park hotel sits within 123 acres of grounds and boasts one of Europe’s best spas – and tucked away in one of the oldest parts of the house you’ll find this culinary oasis.
"The part-timbered rooms are dimly lit, with low ceilings and an elegant, slightly contemporary edge, and the team smoothly balance friendliness with formality.
"Head chef Steve Smith has plenty of experience working in top restaurants and his maturity shows through in every dish. Cooking centres on classic combinations refined and reworked in a creative modern style, and the use of numerous techniques show his skills to the full.
"Dinner is the main event, with a surprise tasting menu creating excited anticipation for each course to arrive.
"Flavours, textures and temperatures show wonderful balance and everything is on the plate for a reason."
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Other Berkshire restaurants who have previously been awarded Michelin Stars include:
- The Fat Duck, Bray
- L'Ortolan, Shinfield
- The Crown, Maidenhead
- The Hind's Head, Bray
- Restaurant Coworth Park, Ascot
- The Waterside Inn, Maidenhead
- Henry & Joes, Maidenhead
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