New bistro earns Michelin plaudits

Fell Bistro in Longridge has earned a place in a new Michelin guide just months after opening.

Fell Bistro opened in September 2022 and is a joint venture between Matt Willdigg, chef director, Oli Martin, chef director and Alex Blamire, operations director.

Matt has been cooking professionally since the age of 16. Having spent time working in London under Angela Hartnett at the one Michelin-starred Murano, then at the two Michelin-starred Hibiscus under Claude Bosi. He later spent five years in Australia before moving back to the UK to be Oli Martin’s right hand man at Hipping Hall.

Oli has 17 years of experience in fine dining, having worked in Michelin Star and Rosette restaurants, from here in the UK to the South of France, to Australia. In 2018, he made it to the final three on Masterchef: The Professionals.

Alex began his hospitality career at 17 and soon branched out into the world of fine dining.  Alex has trained as a sommelier and has worked in some of the region’s finest restaurants including Hrishi at the Gilpin and Hipping Hall.

Fell serves modern bistro dishes, alongside an extensive wine and drink list, in a casual dining setting.

The guide describes it as "an endearing little bistro". It says: "The ground floor, with its open kitchen and chefs on display, is the engine room, while upstairs it's much quieter. The menu has something for everyone, from mature local steaks to delicious fresh fish, all cooked with care, knowledge and understanding.”

Oli Martin said: "We are thrilled about the inclusion in The Michelin Inspectors Favorite New Restaurants. We set out to create a neighbourhood bistro where you can come relax and enjoy great food. It really feels like we're on the right track when we hear news like this.

"Our latest appointment of Sean Wrest as head chef has allowed us to further develop our food offering. The team has worked incredibly hard to achieve such great reviews in such a short space of time. We have some exciting things planned for the future of Fell."

Alex added: "For Fell to receive recognition from a prestigious group like Michelin in such a short time really does mean the world to all of us.

“We're so pleased with the progress we have made since opening and it's all down to having such a passionate, hardworking team."