The judge’s scores are in, they’ve held up their Michelin paddle boards, and there were chefs popping corks and doing a little dance all over Berkshire. Pass me a gold fork…

 

BERKSHIRE

The Blackbird, Newbury – 1 star NEW ENTRY

Berkshire’s best kept secret is out! The Blackbird in Bangor has been awarded its first Michelin star, and well deserved it is too. Dom Robinson (Tom Aiken’s former head chef) took on the tired village pub, brought the place back to life (it’s been open a year) to serve his food, his way – a renaissance of classic cuisine using local, seasonal ingredients. I reviewed it in May (you can read the review here) and could not have loved it more. Batty nana chic decor, relaxed fine dining and a cracking 80s choon.

 

L’Ortolan, Reading  – 1 star 

Berkshire’s romped it this year with gazillions of stars falling from the Michelin inspectors, including a reprise for L’Ortolan, Reading’s only Michelin restaurant retaining its star for the 17th consecutive year. Traditional service, white tablecloths, and beautifully presented French fare makes it perfect for special occasions.

 

The Fat Duck, Bray – 3 stars 

Good luck getting a seat at Heston’s flagship restaurant but if you do manage to be one of the few to get in on the gastronomic journey, strap your credit card for blast off – it’s over £265 per head! Then add another £165 to the bill for the wine flight.

 

The Waterside Inn, Bray  – 3 stars

Fancy being cooked for by Alain Roux? Course you do! What is modestly described as a ‘restaurant with rooms’ on the Waterside website is in fact a gastronomic powerhouse. Save up and experience the magic.

 

Coworth Park Ascot, Berkshire – 1 star 

Executive chef Adam Smith showcases his gastronomic talents by taking classic British flavour combos and giving them a modern twist, creating dishes that are as pretty as a picture. And who doesn’t love a view across a croquet lawn?

 

The Crown, Burchetts Green, Maidenhead – 1 star

Chef Simon Bonwick works the kitchen alone while several of his NINE  kids work front of house. Expect the best seasonal British ingredients cooked using French techniques. Expect simple, unfussy plates of food that tastes epic.

 

The Hind’s Head, Bray – 1 star

The Hind’s Head in Bray is more of restaurant than Heston’s posh pub. The team flick through the history books to find unfashionable dishes and bring them back with the expected pizzazz. The eclectic decor reflects its royal and religious past, especially in the Royal Lounge where pre lunch/dinner cocktails are a must.

 

The Woodspeen, Newbury  – 1 star

Chef John Campbell’s converted boozer just a few miles from his old stomping ground The Vineyard is a smart country restaurant without formality.  Don’t be fooled though, this fine dining – it’s just forgoes the large linen bill and its acceptable to drink pints.

 

The White Oak, Cookham – Bib Gourmand

Six years on the trot this superb gastropub has retained its Bib Gourmand. The facts don’t lie! This is refined pub grub that you want to stick your face in and lick the plates clean. It’s a long term Muddy favouite, so don’t miss the chance to eat at The White Oak in Cookham.

Sadly, the Royal Oak Paley Street lost its star this year

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

The Coach, Marlow  – 1 star 

The Hand & Flowers, Marlow – 2 stars 

The Hundred of Ashendon, mid Bucks – Bib Gourmand 

The Russell Arms, Butler’s Cross – Bib Gourmand

The Three Oaks, Gerrards Cross  – Bib Gourmand 

 

OXFORDSHIRE

Oxford Kitchen, Oxford – 1 star NEW ENTRY

The Nut Tree, Murcott – 1 star

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Great Milton – 2 stars 

The Magdalen Arms, Oxford  – Bib Gourmand

Oli’s Thai, Oxford – Bib Gourmand 

Goodbye: The Sir Charles Napier (Chinnor) and The Wild Rabbit have both lost their Michelin stars in 2018. The Killingworth Castle lost its Bib Gourmand.

 

SURREY

Sorrel, Ripley – 1 star NEW ENTRY

The Clock House, Ripley – 1 star 

The Tudor Room at Great Fosters, Egham – 1 star

The Latymer, Bagshot – 1 star