An "endearing little bistro" in Lancashire's Ribble Valley has been named in the latest update to prestigious foodie directory The Michelin Guide. Fell Bistro in Longridge has made the latest list of the mysterious Michelin inspectors "favourite new restaurants" for February.
It's quite the achievement for the bistro that only opened six months ago. The new listing in the Michelin Guide describes it as an "endearing little bistro" and says the menu has "something for everyone, from mature local steaks to delicious fresh fish, all cooked with care, knowledge and understanding."
The Berry Lane venue in the Lancashire market town is spearheaded by chef directors Oli Martin and Matt Willdigg and operations director Alex Blamire. While Sean Wrest as head chef recently came on board to head up the kitchen.
Read more: Inside Manchester's new pie restaurant
Oli and Alex are also part of the team behind award-winning fine dining restaurant 263 in Preston. They say they are "thrilled" with the recognition for their venue, which erves contemporary dishes in a casual setting, reports LancsLive.
Set menus start from just £21 for two courses or £27 for three on their "early bird menu". A full a la carte is served in the evenings, with dishes including Goosnargh chicken for £18, roast cod for £18.50, treacle pork cutlet for £20 and a range of steaks on the grill including a fillet steak for £35.
Named after the nearby Longridge Fell, the restaurant is located in the heart of the thriving Ribble Valley market town. Not only has it impressed the Michelin judges, who recognise and reward culinary excellence around the world, but Fell has also proven a hit with diners.
It is rated highly by customers, with a recent review on Facebook giving it five stars, praising their "outstanding" experience and the service as "wonderful" while the food was "out of this world." Oli, who has 17 years experience in fine dining and has previously worked in Michelin Starred restaurants, said the team are fell are "thrilled" to be included in the 'restaurant bible'.
"We set out to create a neighbourhood bistro where you can come relax and enjoy great food. It really feels like we're on the right track when we hear news like this," Oli added. "The team has worked incredibly hard to achieve such great reviews in such a short space of time. We have some exciting things planned for the future of Fell."
While Alex, a trained and experienced sommelier, has also worked in some of the region's top restaurants. He says Fell making into the guide in such a short space of time "means the world to all of us."
"We're so pleased with the progress we have made since opening and it's all down to having such a passionate, hardworking team," he added.
"I would like to say thank you to all of our team for all of their hard work and a special thanks to our head chef Sean (Wrest) and his partner Sam (Haigh), our restaurant manager, for their commitment and dedication.”
Oli is currently working on a new menu set for to be revealed in March, with head chef Sean, who joined the team in January. Chic restaurant Angels, in the neighbouring town of Ribchester is also included in the Guide, while a further 12 in Lancashire are featured, including 263.
The 2023 edition of the Michelin Guide will be officially launched at a ceremony on Monday, March 27. During it, Michelin Stars, Bib Gourmands and Green Stars will be unveiled.
Each month they also add their "favourite restaurants" across the UK. Last month, Manchester's The Sparrows, based in an old railway arch in the city centre, was added to the prestigious guide.
Read next:-
The £45.50 all-you-can-eat menu with a slightly stressful time limit
Luxury hot chocolate cafe serving twenty different flavours to open in Manchester
The barber and bistro bringing the food of the West Bank to Stalybridge
- Queues out the door as first Gail's Bakery opens in north west - Manchester gets one next
