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Metro
a day ago
- Metro
Unassuming UK village is an absolute gem for foodies with ‘exceptional' restaura
If you were to head 11 miles north of Liverpool or 16 miles west of Wigan, you'd stumble across a rather unassuming village that's home to around 8,300 people. While those who've visited say it's a 'peaceful' and 'wonderful' little spot in reviews online, it's fair to say there's not exactly a lot to keep you occupied in Aughton, Lancashire. According to Tripadvisor there are just three main things to do in the village – head to church or visit the Oaks Golf Club for either a round of golf or a pamper session at the on-site spa. Despite this, people from all over Europe and even as far out as the USA, keep on flocking to the village each year and there's one very good reason why – the food. Aughton is a real must-visit for foodies with not one, not two, but three Michelin Star restaurants – which have an impressive five stars between them and are all within walking distance of one another. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Moor Hall, a hotel with a modern British restaurant is the most notable of them all, with the eatery having three stars to its name – this means the cuisine has been deemed 'exceptional'. If that weren't enough, the restaurant also boasts a Michelin Green Star for its sustainable practices (most of the seasonal produce is grown in the grounds of the hall), as well as five AA Rosettes and a third place prize at The National Restaurant Awards 2024. Headed up by chef patron Mark Birchall, the restaurant offers a Provenance tasting menu for dinner which is priced at £235 per person (and this is going up to £265 from July 1). There's also a four-course lunch menu for £125 per person (£145 as of July 1). The restaurant has a cheese room containing some of 'the best British and Irish Farmhouse cheeses' as well as a wine cellar. The AA Awards 2024 awarded Moor Hall's wine list as the 'best in England and overall', and there are two options for wine pairings with a meal, including a £145 Prestige pairing or a Rarity pairing for £295. An alcohol-free pairing is also available for £85 and features single vintage teas from around the globe. There are hundreds of five star reviews on Google, which hail the food as 'amazing', 'fantastic' and 'the best in the country'. Kate Weil wrote: 'Been here several times […] it is quite simply the best restaurant in the country. Staff are exceptional, food is beyond belief and the wine is everything. Michelin and quality hospitality at its best. Love coming here, worth every penny.' Similarly, Saveena Pomian said: 'Difficult to express this experience in words. You feel every course is the best thing you have ever tasted, only to be beaten by the next! From the amuse bouche including a delectable warm black pudding in a crisp shell to the most amazing beef tartare that burst with freshness on the palate. This was followed up by native lobster with a delicate flavour and then a moist Guinea hen with a perfect side of offal ragout. 'The carefully chosen ginger ice cream freshens ready for an apple and blackberry pudding. There is an amazing choice of English cheeses followed by an exciting choice of petit fours. We had 12 'courses' in all and the wine pairing was perfect.' They added: 'The atmosphere is relaxed and the service is spot on. Attentive without being obtrusive. An absolutely fantastic gastronomic experience' Moor Hall is also home to the second of Aughton's three Michelin Star restaurants, known as The Barn. This is a sister restaurant to the main dining space and shares the same ethos, however dining here is much more affordable. Set in a rustic barn, a three course lunch will cost £48 per person, while a set dinner menu is £56 per person. Example dishes might include Chalk stream trout, radish, sea greens and malted wheat or Roasted Sladesdown duck served with organic carrots, red kale and girolles. On Sundays, you can tuck into a hearty roast dinner with 60-day-aged Belted Galloway Sirloin or Herdwick Lamb Rump with yorkshire puddings and some other fabulous trimmings. The third and final spot is sō–lō, another modern British restaurant, but one set in an 'understated' and informal setting. Created by chef Tim Allen, the menu features culinary influences from all around the world, mixing flavours and textures with seasonal ingredients. Guests can choose between a £105 tasting menu for dinner, a £52 three-course lunch or a £64 Sunday lunch menu that features dishes such as Cumbrian Heritage Sirloin, Ham, Egg & Chips and an artisanal cheese plate. The unassuming 'unstuffy' sō–lō has also garnered a big following online with dozens of impressive reviews. Phil Steele posted on Google that his meal there was 'incredible excellent', while Nidtima Maroengsit commented: 'Had an amazing experience. The food is fantastic, especially the Sunday roast – truly a must-try. The staff are so friendly and helpful, making the whole dining experience even better. Highly recommend it!' And Steven Smith boldly claimed it was 'as close to perfection as you can get'. If you're in London, you'll have to be prepared to spend a good chunk of time getting to Aughton. The train is going to be the quickest way to get there but you won't be able to get one direct service. You'll want to start at London Euston and take an Avanti West Coast train to Liverpool Lime Street. From here, you'll want to head to Liverpool Central and then get the Merseyrail towards Ormskirk, getting off at Town Green (Aughton). Moor Hall is a 15-minute walk from the station, while sō–lō is just five minutes away. Aughton is mostly residential, so there's not too much to do but the wider parish does have two shopping areas, two train stations, churches and a village hall. More Trending As well as visiting the local Michelin star restaurants, there are a few other pubs and eateries in the village, including The Dog and Gun Inn, Daily Dose Coffee, The Stanley Arms and Arthur's of Aughton. And nature lovers can head to the Gorse Hill Nature Reserve to see various wildlife or visit the cafe. For more to do, you can head to nearby Ormskirk, where you'll find farms to visit with the kids, the WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, the West Lancashire Light Railway, Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve, and various walking and cycling routes. Beach lovers aren't far from the coast, as Formby Beach is just a nine mile drive from Aughton, or if you're more of a city person, Liverpool is a little over 30 minutes by car or train. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Wizz Air launches £18 flights to 'enchanting' European gem where pints are just £1 MORE: Owner of 'pocket bully' which mauled boy, five, blames child for attack MORE: Devastated and broken, I headed to the Himalayas to heal my heartbreak
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bruce Springsteen and Steven Graham in surprise Kirkburton trip
A restaurant owner has said he thought he was being pranked when someone called to book a table for rock star Bruce Springsteen and actor Stephen GrahamOliver Roberts, who runs Norman's in Kirkburton, Huddersfield, said he was left even more stunned when the stars then turned up for lunch on said the duo shared ten small plates, including crab tarts and Isle of Wight tomatoes with wild garlic ice cream, which he said Graham described as "mad Merlin stuff".Reflecting on the "surreal" experience, he said their surprise visit — coming just days after the restaurant was awarded two AA Rosettes — had felt like "some sort of fever dream". Graham, who recently made headlines with Netflix drama Adolescence, is due to play Springsteen's father in the upcoming biopic Deliver Me from pair met at Norman's two days after Springsteen's first of three shows at Manchester's Co-op Live, following a recommendation from a friend of Graham's wife. 'It can't really be them' When the call for the booking came, staff at Norman's thought it was "too random to not be true", but Mr Roberts said he could not "get my head around it"."I was absolutely adamant that it was either a wind up or clearly wasn't going to be those two," the 31-year-old from Halifax said."This doesn't happen, ever. This isn't the norm."He said their visit left everyone's mind "fried", with other guests eyeing them curiously from across the room but leaving them to enjoy their meal."I think everyone was in this surreal 'it can't really be them' [state]," he celebrities showered staff in compliments and made sure to tip before leaving."Stephen Graham said [chef] Louis was a wizard and that the tomato dish was some 'mad Merlin stuff'," said Mr Roberts, who opened Norman's 18 months ago."Louis, who invented that dish, was on cloud nine for the rest of the weekend and I genuinely think he will end up getting that tattooed somewhere on him." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful little UK seaside village with a tucked away Michelin star restaurant
Discover Saltwood, a charming Kent village where history meets haute cuisine, home to the two Michelin-starred Hide and Fox restaurant, nestled amid centuries-old heritage The village of Saltwood in Kent might not be on every traveller's radar, but that's part of its charm. This peaceful spot near the coast offers a mix of history, nature and top-tier dining. Tucked quietly in the Folkestone and Hythe district, Saltwood is a quintessential English village. Think flint-stone cottages, winding lanes, and rolling countryside as far as the eye can see. But there's more than just postcard scenery here. Food lovers now make a beeline for Saltwood thanks to its standout culinary gem, Hide and Fox. This Michelin-starred restaurant, discreetly nestled in a converted village shop, has been turning heads for all the right reasons. It's run by husband-and-wife duo Allister Barsby and Alice Bussi, who bring serious pedigree to the table. Allister hails from nearby Whitstable and brings with him experience from some of the West Country's top restaurants. Alice, a skilled sommelier and hospitality expert, ensures every guest feels welcomed from the moment they walk in. The pair have created something truly special, modern fine dining rooted in local ingredients and British tradition. Dishes are flavour-forward, seasonal, and beautifully presented without pretension. Inside, the vibe is relaxed but refined, white tablecloths paired with warm service and excellent wine. The wine list is expertly curated by Alice, who has introduced unexpected gems from Georgia and Croatia to delight curious palates. Hide and Fox has earned two Michelin stars and three AA Rosettes, yet it still feels refreshingly down-to-earth. Locals and travellers alike are welcomed with the same genuine enthusiasm. After your meal, it's worth taking a wander through Saltwood itself. A scenic walking route called the Saltwood Saunter takes you through Willow Wood and out into the countryside. History buffs will enjoy spotting the 12th-century parish church of St Peter and St Paul, a beautiful building with stories woven into every stone. Saltwood Castle, dating back over a thousand years, adds even more historical intrigue. The castle even played a dark role in English history, in 1170, four knights stayed there before riding to Canterbury, where they murdered Archbishop Thomas Becket. Today, the castle is privately owned but remains an iconic part of the village's past. Between its scenic charm, historic weight and superb dining, Saltwood punches well above its weight. It's a true hidden gem that rewards those who take the time to explore it.
Scottish Sun
29-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
Tripadvisor's best UK hotels revealed – including a huge ship, old train station, safari park and a prison
Plus, the UK hotel with worker bees that was crowned sixth best in the world TOP TIER Tripadvisor's best UK hotels revealed – including a huge ship, old train station, safari park and a prison Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE best hotels in the world as well as the weird and wonderful have been revealed by Tripadvisor. There are lots of quirky stays around the country including one on a boat, a converted train station and a wildlife park that will make you feel like you're on safari in the UK. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 10 Port Lympne is home to over 900 animals and a beautiful hotel Credit: Port Lympne Fingal Hotel in Edinburgh topped the list when it came to Tripadvisor's 'One of a Kind' category. The ship that's permanently docked in Edinburgh's Leith neighbourhood has been transformed into a five-star floating hotel. It's described as being in the style of a superyacht, but with an old-world elegance. Guests can choose to stay in the classic cabin, luxurious suites, a penthouse, or a duplex cabin which is spread out across two floors. Onboard is The Lighthouse Restaurants & Bar that's been awards 2 AA Rosettes. Over in Kent is the Port Lympne Hotel where you're likely to spot lions, tigers and rhinos. The hotel doubles as a wildlife reserve so you'll be on safari - but in the middle of the English countryside. The park has over 900 animals, including the largest herd of black rhino in the UK, as well as gorillas, giraffes, leopards and bears. The hotel itself is four-stars and rooms vary from the Tiger Lodge - where you can wake up with a tiger at your window. You will also get your own golf buggy and can race off to the safari park at your leisure. New English hotel named among best in the world despite being open less than a year - with incredible secret spy bar 10 The former station turned hotel is in Petworth Credit: The Old Railway Station 10 There are 11 rooms to choose from in The Old Railway Station - and all are en suite Credit: The Old Railway Station Guests can also choose from the Treehouses to Forest Hideaway cabins and Leopard Creek - where you can sleep metres away from the rare cats. One reviewer wrote: "We stayed in Leopard Creek and were lucky enough to see the leopards up close on the first evening. "The bottle of Prosecco and range of teas and Nespresso coffees meant that we were looked after as well as the animals." Another unique stay in the UK is The Old Railway Station in Petworth. Petworth Railway Station was originally built in 1892 and closed to passengers in 1955 and has been open as a guest house since 1995. There are 11 rooms to choose from, all of which are en-suite You can enjoy breakfast in the former train station's original waiting room which has a 20ft high vaulted ceiling. In the summer, you can eat out on the platform in front of the exotic garden. 10 St. Ermin's is Tripadvisor's sixth best hotel in the world Credit: St. Ermin's Hotel 10 St. Ermin's Hotel in St James is the sixth best hotel in the world according to Tripadvisor Credit: St. Ermin's Hotel Meanwhile, St. Ermin's Hotel in London has been crowned as the sixth best hotel in the world, it has children's concierge, and is home to thousands of worker bees. Tripadvisor has put together a list of the 'Best of the Best Hotels' all based on customer reviews and ratings. St. Ermin's Hotel was revealed to be the sixth best in the world, and the second best hotel in Europe. It's part of Marriott's Autograph Collection and is found in the heart of St. James. What travellers love the most about the hotel is the butler service, restaurant and bar. What visitors might be most surprised to find at St. Ermin's Hotel is that it's home to 35,000 bees. They are up on the third floor in what they call the 'bee hotel' where they go about their business of making honey - which is used in the hotel kitchen. Guests can observe them safely from behind glass. The hotel also has a Kids Concierge service which is dedicated to keeping children entertained. This includes activities like being a spy for the day and using codes to crack clues around the hotel - at the end they get a mocktail in Caxton Bar. St. Ermin's is also dog friendly and has some hotel rooms that allow them. 10 The worker bees are found on the rooftop on the third floor Credit: St. Ermin's Hotel 10 You can enjoy lots of drinks up on The Terrace Credit: St. Ermin's Hotel In the hotel are is a restaurant called the Caxton Grill where you can enjoy the buffet breakfast or in the evening, enjoy a three course meal for £45. The Terrace offers small plates like cheese and charcuterie boards along with a huge selection of champagne, wine, beer and cocktails. As well as the Caxton Bar, there's also a Tea Lounge where afternoon tea is served daily between 12 noon and 5.30pm. The rooms vary from a superior double to suites which have separate sitting areas and a marble bathroom. Lots of the reviews on Tripadvisor say the concierge gives 'first-class' service, from getting theatre tickets to giving local recommendations and travel tips. Another wrote: "Truly one of the best hotels we ever stayed in London." 10 At the top of the best hotels in the world is Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya Credit: Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya The hotel that topped the list and is Tripadvisor's 'Best of the Best Hotels' in the world is Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya in Tulum, Mexico. The hotel also secured the number one spot in two other categories: All-Inclusive and Treat Yourself. The resort is perched on the edge of the Caribbean sea, and has earned complimented by reviewers for its impressive spa and wellness centre and selection of pools. Here Are The Top 10 Hotels In The World According To Tipadvisor The hotels have been chosen by reviews and ratings on Tripadvisor... Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, Mexico Grandvrio Ocean Resort Danang, Vietnam Gokulam Grand Turtle on the Beach, India Romance Istanbul Hotel, Turkey Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba, Caribbean St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection, UK Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Caribbean French Quarter Inn, USA Chandys Windy Woods, India Siyam World Maldives, Maldives
The Irish Sun
29-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
Tripadvisor's best UK hotels revealed – including a huge ship, old train station, safari park and a prison
THE best hotels in the world as well as the weird and wonderful have been revealed by Tripadvisor. There are lots of quirky stays around the country including one on a boat, a converted train station and a wildlife park that will make you feel like you're on safari in the UK. 10 10 Port Lympne is home to over 900 animals and a beautiful hotel Credit: Port Lympne Fingal Hotel in Edinburgh topped the list when it came to Tripadvisor's 'One of a Kind' category. The ship that's permanently docked in Edinburgh's Leith neighbourhood has been transformed into a five-star floating hotel. It's described as being in the style of a superyacht, but with an old-world elegance. Guests can choose to stay in the classic cabin, luxurious suites, a penthouse, or a duplex cabin which is spread out across two floors. Read More on Hotels Onboard is The Lighthouse Restaurants & Bar that's been awards 2 AA Rosettes. Over in Kent is the Port Lympne Hotel where you're likely to spot lions, tigers and rhinos. The hotel doubles as a wildlife reserve so you'll be on safari - but in the middle of the English countryside. The park has over 900 animals, including the largest herd of black rhino in the UK, as well as gorillas, giraffes, leopards and bears. Most read in News Travel The hotel itself is four-stars and rooms vary from the Tiger Lodge - where you can wake up with a tiger at your window. You will also get your own golf buggy and can race off to the safari park at your leisure. New English hotel named among best in the world despite being open less than a year - with incredible secret spy bar 10 The former station turned hotel is in Petworth Credit: The Old Railway Station 10 There are 11 rooms to choose from in The Old Railway Station - and all are en suite Credit: The Old Railway Station Guests can also choose from the Treehouses to Forest Hideaway cabins and Leopard Creek - where you can sleep metres away from the rare cats. One reviewer wrote: "We stayed in Leopard Creek and were lucky enough to see the leopards up close on the first evening. "The bottle of Prosecco and range of teas and Nespresso coffees meant that we were looked after as well as the animals." Another unique stay in the UK is The Old Railway Station in Petworth. Petworth Railway Station was originally built in 1892 and closed to passengers in 1955 and has been open as a guest house since 1995. There are 11 rooms to choose from, all of which are en-suite You can enjoy breakfast in the former train station's original waiting room which has a 20ft high vaulted ceiling. In the summer, you can eat out on the platform in front of the exotic garden. 10 St. Ermin's is Tripadvisor's sixth best hotel in the world Credit: St. Ermin's Hotel 10 St. Ermin's Hotel in St James is the sixth best hotel in the world according to Tripadvisor Credit: St. Ermin's Hotel Meanwhile, St. Ermin's Hotel in Tripadvisor has put together a list of the 'Best of the Best Hotels' all based on customer reviews and ratings. St. Ermin's Hotel was revealed to be the sixth best in the world, and the second best hotel in Europe. It's part of Marriott's Autograph Collection and is found in the heart of St. James. What travellers love the most about the hotel is the butler service, restaurant and bar. What visitors might be most surprised to find at St. Ermin's Hotel is that it's home to 35,000 bees. They are up on the third floor in what they call the 'bee hotel' where they go about their business of making honey - which is used in the hotel kitchen. Guests can observe them safely from behind glass. The hotel also has a Kids Concierge service which is dedicated to keeping children entertained. This includes activities like being a spy for the day and using codes to crack clues around the hotel - at the end they get a mocktail in Caxton Bar. St. Ermin's is also dog friendly and has some hotel rooms that allow them. 10 The worker bees are found on the rooftop on the third floor Credit: St. Ermin's Hotel 10 You can enjoy lots of drinks up on The Terrace Credit: St. Ermin's Hotel In the hotel are is a restaurant called the Caxton Grill where you can enjoy the buffet breakfast or in the evening, enjoy a three course meal for £45. The Terrace offers small plates like cheese and charcuterie boards along with a huge selection of champagne, wine, beer and cocktails. As well as the Caxton Bar, there's also a Tea Lounge where afternoon tea is served daily between 12 noon and 5.30pm. The rooms vary from a superior double to suites which have separate sitting areas and a marble bathroom. Lots of the reviews on Tripadvisor say the concierge gives 'first-class' service, from getting theatre tickets to giving local recommendations and travel tips. Another wrote: "Truly one of the best hotels we ever stayed in London." 10 At the top of the best hotels in the world is Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya Credit: Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya The hotel that topped the list and is Tripadvisor's 'Best of the Best Hotels' in the world is Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya in Tulum, Mexico. The hotel also secured the number one spot in two other categories: All-Inclusive and Treat Yourself. The resort is perched on the edge of the Caribbean sea, and has earned complimented by reviewers for its impressive spa and wellness centre and selection of pools. Here Are The Top 10 Hotels In The World According To Tipadvisor The hotels have been chosen by reviews and ratings on Tripadvisor... Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, Mexico Grandvrio Ocean Resort Danang, Vietnam Gokulam Grand Turtle on the Beach, India Romance Istanbul Hotel, Turkey Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba, Caribbean St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection, UK Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Caribbean French Quarter Inn, USA Chandys Windy Woods, India Siyam World Maldives, Maldives 10 Port Lympne Hotel is surrounded by a wildlife park Credit: Port Lympne Hotel
