Moor Hall named UK's best restaurant

Moor Hall in Aughton has been named the best restaurant in the country by a panel of expert chefs, restaurateurs and food writers.

The Grade II listed venue won the National Restaurant of the Year at The Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards 2019, which features Restaurant Magazine’s annual countdown of the top 100 restaurants in the UK.

The venue, which can trace its roots back to 1282, was purchased by Andy and Tracey Bell in 2015 and underwent a multi-million pound renovation before reopening in 2017. Last year the restaurant was awarded two Michelin stars.

Overseen by chef-patron Mark Birchall, it has built a strong reputation for its modern British cuisine using, where possible, produce grown on the five-acre estate.

Stefan Chomka, editor of Restaurant magazine, said: "Mark is an incredibly talented chef who has a clear ambition to not just create one of the best restaurants in the UK but in the world.

“This award reflects that vision. Moor Hall is an almost immaculate experience – Mark’s food is clever and inventive but also delicious, the service is exceptional and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. It’s an outstanding restaurant that deserves its title as the best in the UK.”