A Bristol pub that only re-opened under new owners nine months ago has been singled out for praise in the prestigious Michelin restaurant guide. The Blaise Inn at Henbury was launched in December 2021 by former Harvey Nichols Bristol executive chef Louise McCrimmon.
Louise was made redundant during the pandemic after working for Harvey Nichols for 23 years, 12 of them in Bristol. She was starting to plan her next move during lockdown when she spotted her local pub in Henbury for sale.
With her husband, Ian, and neighbours Nicola and Peter Gilbert, the two couples took over the Blaise Inn close to Blaise Castle Estate. They refurbished the pub, improved the large courtyard beer garden and introduced a food menu.
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And nine months since opening, The Blaise Inn has been mentioned by the Michelin Guide inspectors. The pub has been revealed as one of their favourite new additions to this year’s Great Britain & Ireland Guide.
The inspectors commented that the pub offered a ‘great value menu’ that offers ‘traditional British dishes cooked with a skilful, modern approach’. They singled out the chorizo sausage roll and salt cod fritters to start, with crisp lamb belly or roast skate wing to follow.
Michelin’s anonymous inspectors added that customers should ‘make sure you save room for dessert’. They also said the pub offered ‘good ales, a well-chosen wine list and chatty service’.
Owner/chef Louise said: "I'm just thrilled that within our first year of opening we have been listed in the guide and huge thanks go to our team, who have all jumped on board and share our passion to deliver great food and drink in our lovely local. In essence, all I've ever wanted to do is cook really tasty food that makes people happy, so it's great to see that still works!"
At the time of opening, Louise said: “In some ways, I was quite relieved when I was made redundant because it gave me a chance to think about what I should do next. Everyone seems genuinely excited and we’ve done a lot of work on it.
“We don’t want it to be one of those pubs where people grip the table and stare at you when you walk in. A lot of women have already come in on their own for a glass of wine, which probably didn’t happen before - we want it to be really easygoing and welcoming.”
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