By this point, Moor Hall in Aughton is well-used to accolades. In February, Mark Birchall’s restaurant with rooms, set in a revamped Grade II-listed 13th century manor, became one of just 10 restaurants in the UK to own three Michelin stars (one of just two outside of London) and in October, it earned two Michelin keys for its accommodation. Now, coveted restaurant guide Harden’s has declared it the best place to eat in the country.
The guide’s yearly ranking is based on more than 30,000 reports from a survey 2,500 diners. While Moor Hall has been a recurring name in Harden’s past lists, this is the first year that it has secured first place. Just last year it was all the way down in 74th.
Reviews on Harden’s called Moor Hall ‘an experience’ that’s ‘superb from beginning to end’ and said that ‘service from an expert front of house team is spot on: very professional, very knowledgeable, and very approachable and friendly’ and ‘not at all pretentious despite its awards’.
As for its food, Harden’s users said: ‘The flavours and ideas are staggering’ and the dishes are ‘faultless in every way’. The nine-course dinner at Moor Hall sits at £265. You can expect dishes like Isle of Mull scallop with fermented grains and cauliflower apple, Dorset sika deer with beetroot, elderberry and hen of the woods ragout or Ormskirk gingerbread. There’s also a four-course lunch menu for £145 per head.
Peter Harden, guide editor and co-founder of Harden’s, said: ‘It’s wonderful to see Mark and his talented team reach this year’s pole position and, whilst diners who took part in our national survey did often flag the higher price point, it appears to be a venue regarded as well worth it, albeit for a rare treat.’
Birchall said in response to the win: ‘I’m honoured that Moor Hall has been awarded the No. 1 spot in this year’s Harden’s Top 100 UK Restaurants list. This has already been a landmark year for us, and I’m delighted to see the team’s dedication recognised once again.
‘Our success is driven by the talent, consistency and commitment of everyone who contributes to the experience at Moor Hall. It’s a wonderful acknowledgement of their hard work and passion, and we’re proud to share this achievement with everyone who dines with us.’
See Harden’s full list of the UK’s top 100 restaurants right now here.
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