Two restaurants in Wales have been awarded with three AA Rosettes at the prestigious 2023 AA Rosette Awards, which took place on Tuesday, February 28.
The awards celebrate "culinary excellence" and "successful cooking at different levels across the UK" with a plethora of establishments up and down the country being recognised for their food. The rosettes are determined by AA's team of inspectors who judge the restaurant on its quality of service, cooking, produce and flavours.
Joining the top 15% of all restaurants in the UK to receive three rosette awards or higher, Home By James Sommerin in Penarth, which is run by James Sommerin and his daughter Georgia - who recently appeared on the BBC show The Great British Menu - and Michelin Guide restaurant The Checkers in Montgomery, Powys, were recognised at the virtual ceremony and were awarded with three rosettes each. All winners were announced virtually via the website.
Revealing Home's win, Simon Numphud - managing director of AA media - said: "Our next winner has an air of the mysterious from the outside with its blacked out windows and curtain door. Whilst inside, it's a super friendly and intimate space. The focus of the room is, of course, the kitchen. And you'll feel like you're right in amongst the action as chef patron and his daughter prepare their daily changing tasting menu.
"Congratulations to Home By James Sommerin."
Accepting the award, James was seen with his daughter via video saying: "We just want to say a massive thank you to everybody at the AA for awarding us with three rosettes. I must say, we're over the moon. Onwards and upwards." The Penarth establishment, which you have to ring a bell to gain entry to, and the food is cooked in front of diners, recently appeared on the Hairy BIkers' new show, Go Local. See more on that, here.
Announcing this great recognition for The Checkers, he added: "Set in the heart of the lovely Montgomery, this completely charming 17th century coaching inn has been transformed into a fabulous restaurant with rooms. Chef patron Andrew [Birch]'s career has taken in some of the finest establishments in the UK. And this pedigree shines through the dishes here, which are beautifully balanced and flavour driven. Utilising the very best local, seasonal produce. A brilliant result and our compliments to Andrew Birch and all the team at The Checkers."
Speaking of receiving this award as the clip cut to a VT of The Checkers' chefs, Andrew said: "Rachel [Birch] and I would like to take this opportnity to thank the AA for acknowledging our hard work for this year's guide and awarding The Checkers three AA rosettes. We could'nt have done it witohut the amazing team supporting us. Thank you very much."
To see the full list of AA winners, see here.
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