Two new Michelin stars for Lancashire

The highly-regarded Michelin guide has announced two new stars for Lancashire restaurants in its 2019 edition.

The White Swan in Fence has been granted its first ever star while Moor Hall in Aughton has been upgraded to a two-star rating.

They join Northcote, which retained the one-star rating it has held since 1996.

The White Swan, lead by head chef Tom Parker, is the only Timothy Taylor pub in Lancashire and became one of 21 newly starred restaurants.

Moor Hall is one of only three to receive an upgrade to two stars, receiving its first star just last year.

Holy cow https://t.co/2giEQe1PUI

— white swan at fence (@whiteswan_fence) October 1, 2018

Making sure it wasn't all a dream! #MICHELINstar19 #MICHELINguideGBI pic.twitter.com/nGG6wHvsYo

— Moor Hall Restaurant (@restmoorhall) October 2, 2018

Rebecca Burr, director of the guide said: “The three owner-chefs at these new two star establishments have created fantastic restaurants that very much reflect their own personalities and philosophies.

“Everyone is aware of the obvious challenges currently facing the industry, but we’ve been encouraged by the number of new stars that we’ve awarded in the 2019 edition. What is particularly pleasing is seeing the number of simple little places with great food achieving a star and joining the Michelin family."

Michelin, the French tyre company, began producing its restaurant guides more than 100 years ago as an incentive for the population to drive to new places. It has become one of the most-respected ratings system in the industry. Curiously, there have been no Michelin stars awarded to Manchester restaurants since 1977.