Restaurants earn Michelin stars
The two Shropshire restaurants which have been included in the prestigious Michelin guide today said they were delighted to have restored the county's reputation as a centre of gastronomic excellence.
The two Shropshire restaurants which have been included in the prestigious Michelin guide today said they were delighted to have restored the county's reputation as a centre of gastronomic excellence.
Mr Underhills, at Dinham Weir, in Ludlow, retained its Michelin Star rating in the 2009 guide.
La Becasse, at Corve Street, was included in the guide for the first time, 18 months after being opened by chef Will Holland.
A nearby gastro pub, The Bell Inn, at Yarpole, near Leominster, was also awarded a bib gourmand, which recognises high quality dining at value prices.
Today staff at Mr Underhills and La Becasse said they were delighted with the news, which was leaked online a few days before Michelin had been due to officially announce it.
Judy Bradley, who owns Mr Underhills with her husband Chris, said: "We're delighted.
"We've been in the Michelin Guide for some years and we keep working to raise our standards.
"It's a great tribute to the team. They work so hard to make sure our diners have an experience that they'll remember.
"And it's really good news for the town that La Becasse has been included too.
"We're also thrilled for The Bell. It's good news for everyone."
Will Holland, head chef at La Becasse, said winning a Michelin star was a dream come true. He said: "It's unbelievable. It is an amazing, amazing achievement. For me personally it's all I've ever dreamed about doing.
"Every chef's dream is to earn a Michelin star but so few actually achieve it. It's an unbelievable achievement to earn a star in 18 months."
During the early 2000s, Ludlow earned its reputation for being the gastronomic capital of rural England and at one point it had four restaurants with Michelin ratings.
Some of those eateries relocated, however, and last year only Mr Underhills was included.
The Stag, at Titley, near Leominster, retained its Michelin star.
The restaurant made headlines in recent years when it became the UK's first gastro pub to win the accolade.
It prides itself on serving simply-prepared, locally-sourced produce.
By Andy Richardson
