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On the outskirts of the south-west Lancashire village of Aughton – behind woodland, surrounded by farmland – there is every chance you might sail right past Moor Hall. Which would be a pity. This restaurant-with-rooms has twice been voted ‘Best Restaurant in England’ at the Estrella Damm awards, and holds a coveted two Michelin stars (which it won within a year of its opening in 2017). To add to its rarity value, Moor Hall has a second restaurant, The Barn, within its grounds that also holds a Michelin star. Exceptional food aside (chef-patron, Mark Birchall, formerly worked at Cumbria’s Michelin-starred L’Enclume) the building itself is striking. A 16th century manor house with beams, panelled walls, decorative plasterwork and stone-mullioned windows but blended with a 21st century design aesthetic of linen and velvet sofas, modern crystal chandeliers and a light-flooded Scandi-style dining room. The seven bedrooms are large and spoiling with open beams and a sophisticated modern style of gleaming colours, silks and velvets, Emperor beds, designer lighting and huge bathrooms with freestanding baths.
Dinner is a succession of some dozen dishes exquisitely presented (without fuss or fireworks) and where flavours are fresh and intense; up to 80 per cent of produce comes from the kitchen garden. It’s fun and relaxed, helped by waiters who combine professionalism with an unstuffy manner. In spring 2024, seven standalone garden rooms will launch around the secluded woodland that surrounds the gardens so guests can stay two nights and dine in The Barn, a striking space blending rustic and industrial, and with more casual but equally flavour-driven dishes.
Foodies
Historic
Romantic Break
Short break
Sights nearby
Luxury
Golf
Views
Great walks
Owner managed
Good wine list
Full of character
Country House
Designer
Spa
Gourmet
Remote
Secluded setting
Boutique
Romantic
Intimate
Chic
Contemporary
Restaurant with rooms
Village
Rooms
7 rooms in this hotelRestaurant
Under Chef Patron Mark Birchall, the property has been voted 'Restaurant of The Year' in 2019 and 'UK's Best Restaurant' in 2021Car not required
As well as being able to arrange deluxe chauffeur-driven cars, there's also a helictoper landing spot on-siteGarden
Set over 5 acres of landscaped gardens, complete with ornamental lakeViews
All rooms located within The Hall offer sweeping lake & garden viewsFireplace
Certain suites boast original fireplacesAdult Only
Best suited to grown-up weekend awaysSpa
Babysitting
Good wine list
Private dining room
Outdoor dining
Airport transfer
Bar
Parking
Sitting Room
Wifi
Suites
Satellite / Cable TV
Sights nearby
Golf
Great walks
Just opened, Moor Hall is billed as a restaurant with rooms. In the past, these were humble affairs, a showcase for the skills of a chef/patron, with a few rooms tacked on. Times have changed. Wealthy individuals, attracted by the hospitality business, are now appearing on the scene, keen to back talent and give emerging chefs a platform. On the borders of Merseyside and Lancashire, two alumni of Simon Rogan’s two-Michelin-star L’Enclume have new showcases courtesy of major investment: Kevin Tickle at Forest Side in Cumbria and his former boss, L’Enclume’s executive chef for nine years, Mark Birchall, here at Moor Hall. Owners Andy and Tracey Bell, with whom self-effacing, quietly-spoken Mark has formed an equal business partnership, are responsible for the multimillion-pound transformation of the 16th-century manor house into a temple of gastronomy à la mode.
Originally published by The Telegraph
The fine old building is steeped in history. It has a vast stone fireplace, mullioned windows and double-length tobacco-coloured chesterfields in the bar, and the seven bedrooms have 500-year-old beams and brickwork. You’re back in the 21st century in the fancy-pants, cutting-edge bathrooms...
Originally published by Sunday Times
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