Michelin Star Restaurants in North Wales
North Wales is a bit of a foodie's paradise, with a number of excellent restaurants which are regularly referenced in the famous Michelin guide each year. However, only two eateries in the region actually managed to obtain a coveted Michelin star.
For the benefit of our guests holidaying at Bryn Defaid Holiday Park, we have taken away the need for research by highlighting the Michelin Star restaurants in North Wales and collating a short list of the other Michelin recommended restaurants that foodies may well wish to frequent during their next getaway in the region.
Henry Robertson Dining Room Restaurant, Bala
Situated in Pale Hall Hotel in Bala, the Henry Robertson Dining Room Restaurant offers a refined eating experience with an environmental focus. This is central to the whole operation which utilises power from an on-site hydro-electric plant and equips its team with a uniform which has been manufactured using recycled plastic materials.
Meals on-site are crafted from vegetables, fruit and herbs which have been organically grown on-site using the Pale Hall Hotel’s own gardeners. Meats meanwhile are sourced from some of the finest local suppliers to ensure meals of outstanding quality. This heavily influences the menu which is made up of dishes that are rooted in the region such as Welsh lamb and local fish. Head chef Gareth Stevenson hails from the region and has put together an eight-course tasting menu devised in collaboration with Michael Caines. This includes delights such as caramelised mackerel served with crisp deep-fried oysters and roast squab pigeon with Madeira jus and black beef.
All of this positive environmental work contributes towards protecting the gorgeous gardens that diners can enjoy views of from the restaurant. Situated within a Grade II listed Victorian building, this era is reflected in the décor of the establishment which is named after a famous local MP.
Sosban & The Old Butchers Restaurant, Menai Bridge
Quite opposed to the garden views which are afforded at the Henry Robertson Dining Room Restaurant, the windows at Sosban in Menai Bridge are purposefully covered in order to create a feeling of exclusivity.
The name of the establishment refers back to its roots as an old butchers shop, with the rustic interior styling also harking back to this with its slate walls and sheepskin covered dining chairs. One thing that it does have in common with the aforementioned restaurant though is its commitment to utilising the very best fresh local ingredients. Given that it is situated in Menai Bridge, you can therefore expect plenty of fish and famed local cheeses. Commenting on exactly what options will be available is slightly more tricky as no menu is offered at Sosban. Instead courses are decided on a whim by head chef Stephen Stevens who makes decisions based on the season and availability of ingredients of the best quality.
What you often find is that Steven’s combines unusual ingredients to create taste sensations that you really wouldn’t think would work. Examples of this include his cracker topped with curried banana and soured peanut. It is therefore important to head into the experience with an open mind.
Other Michelin Restaurants in North Wales
While Henry Robertson and Sosban are the only restaurants in North Wales to claim the coveted Michelin star, there are still a number of eateries in the area who have been noted in the Michelin guide.
One of these is the Bryn Williams restaurant in Colwyn Bay which has received a Bib Gourmand award by Michelin in recognition of excellent restaurants which deliver exceptional value for money. Located on the seafront in Colwyn Bay, the restaurant offers a modern industrial style décor and is far more relaxed than those who have received the Michelin star. Serving breakfasts, lunch and dinner with meal options which are classy without being pretentious.
Another Michelin restaurant in North Wales which has been included in the guide but not given an award is the Jackdaw in Conwy. Located on the main high street, The Jackdaw’s head chef and owner is local man Nick Rudge who was born and raised in Llandudno.
After completing three years at Llandrillo College, Rudge went on to work at Heston Blumenthal’s Three Michelin Starred The Fat Duck in Berkshire. After working his way up the ranks alongside the famous Blumenthal, Rudge has returned to his home nation with a menu which very much has a Welsh feel whilst also incorporating many of the learnings he has taken on board alongside Blumenthal. It is definitely worthy of a visit for any foodies staying with us at Bryn Defaid Holiday Park.