Gastro gossip
Compiled by Sophie Ames
Double triumph Bryan Webb, chef and proprietor at Tyddyn Llan in Llandrillo, is celebrating being made a fellow of the prestigious Master Chefs of Great Britain. This honour follows on from the Georgian country house hotel being named The Good Food Guide readers' favourite restaurant in Wales, earlier this year. He said: 'This latest award means a great deal to me, as it's an endorsement from my peers, some of whom rate as the finest chefs in the UK.'
Cheshire's finestA new restaurant in Sandiway has made a promise to use the best locally-sourced food and drink from across the county. The Coach House at Blakemere Craft Centre opened in November.Manager Kamal Zakaria said: 'We want to create a taste of Cheshire at the restaurant. We're working with some of the county's most respected food producers to make sure that almost everything on our menu comes from a local supplier.'
Luxury hotel unveiled A four star boutique hotel is set to open in Chester's new HQ complex in spring. ABode, which already has five venues across the country, is opening a new site offering a selection of luxury rooms and suites. The 85 room hotel is situated next to Chester Racecourse and has views of the River Dee and the Welsh hills. The selection of fine food venues in the multi-million pound complex are created by Michelin-starred chef, Michael Caines.
Approved by JapanCheshire's growing reputation for fine foods, great produce and gourmet dining has received another boost. The head of a specialist international tour operator, based in Japan, has pledged to encourage more of its countrymen to visit the county after being delighted by some of the area's food, drink and hospitality, during a two day visit. Kenji Tochigi, managing director of Tokyo's Worldbridge Inc, was impressed by the quality of the food from Hollies Farm Shop, The Cheese Shop and the Michelin star perfection that he received at the Chester Grosvenor and Spa. The visit was organised by tourism board Visit Chester & Cheshire and the Chester Grosvenor and Spa. Mr Tochigi also visited Arley Hall as the guest of Lord Ashbrook.
Sprouting successA new initiative aimed at encouraging people to cook with fresh, seasonal ingredients saw more than 100 guests flock to two Chop & Chat winter tasting evenings. The events, held in Cheadle and Knutsford, were hosted by Riverford Organic founder, Guy Watson.Riverford cook, Martin Hart, demonstrated five different seasonal vegetable recipes including two new and imaginative ways with Brussel sprouts. Guests also had the chance to taste an array of wine, coffee, truffles, brownies and other delicacies along with a selection of organic cheeses.Riverford Organic partnered with Stockley Farm in 2008 to ensure that seasonal produce is included in the boxes delivered weekly to customers across Cheshire.
