An upmarket restaurant which opened just two years ago has been named as the very best in the UK - and it's not far from Liverpool.
Moor Hall, based in Aughton, near Ormskirk , beat establishments run by the likes of Gordon Ramsey, Marcus Wareing and Heston Blumenthal to claim top spot in the prestigious National Restaurant Awards.
Since being opened by head chef Mark Birchall, alongside business partners Andy and Tracey Bell, Moor Hall has racked up awards, even claiming two Michelin Stars and becoming one of just 19 in the country to be awarded a fifth rosette by the AA Restaurant Guide, which recognises the very highest in culinary skills and standards.
But it last night claimed arguably its biggest honour, as the ‘true Lancashire gem’ was crowned the UK’s number one.
Moor Hall is situated in five acres of gardens with views to the south over a lake, said to be the remains of a medieval moat. It is housed in a grade II Listed gentry house is described as one of the most important listed buildings in the UK.
Explaining the success of the restaurant, a spokesman for the awards said: “Chef Mark Birchall opened Moor Hall in 2016 having spent the best part of a decade working at Simon Rogan’s two Michelin-starred restaurant L’Enclume, promising at the time to create ‘something special’.
“He’s succeeded. His stunning Lancashire restaurant with rooms is located in a Grade II listed building that dates back to the 13th century and is set in five acres of gardens with its own lake, no less. Within just two years of opening,
“Birchall has replicated the success of his mentor, also winning two stars, and he has no intention of stopping there.
“The setup at Moor Hall is impressive. The beautiful glass-fronted restaurant has an open kitchen as well as a walk-in cheese room, where diners are encouraged to visit to make their selection. The restaurant makes its own charcuterie in house and will soon also have its own dairy, bakery and even brewery.”
“At Moor Hall the food really does the talking. The ambitious restaurant is tasting menu only, with six and 12 courses available at lunch and the full 12 courses at dinner.
“An evening meal starts at the bar with a charcuterie selection before moving to the high-ceilinged room for the main event. A procession of snacks follows, including Birchall’s signature pillowy black pudding parcel with pickled apple, and starters include baked carrots with Doddington cheese ‘snow’ and roast Goosenargh duck with elderberry.
“It’s impressive stuff from a chef at the top of his game, one that marks Moor Hall out as a true Lancashire gem.”
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