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Michelin-starred chefs and their favourite pubs

by Great British Chefs 03 November 2016

Whether it’s for the food, the atmosphere or just the fact that they serve a really good pint, these are the pubs that some of Britain’s most accomplished head chefs like to spend their rare days off in.

Great British Chefs

Great British Chefs is a team of passionate food lovers dedicated to bringing you the latest food stories, news and reviews.

Great British Chefs

Great British Chefs is a team of passionate food lovers dedicated to bringing you the latest food stories, news and reviews.

Pubs have been going through a huge change over the past few years. While many have closed down due to more and more people choosing to drink at home, the ones that have stayed open – and thrived – have done so because they have something more to offer. It could be a Michelin-starred chef in the kitchen or a wide selection of well-kept local ales. It could be a buzzing atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing in the evening. It could even be something as simple as a few comfy armchairs next to a roaring open fire. But one thing’s for certain; this British institution will be around for a very, very long time.

While chefs tend to spend their evenings working hard in the kitchen, on the occasional night or Sunday afternoon off, a pub can provide all the food, drink and relaxation they need. Here’s where they like to frequent when away from the stove.

Dominic Chapman, The Beehive, Maidenhead

Dominic Chapman

The Beehive

‘I love the Pot Kiln in Yattendon, Berkshire. It's a pub with real character set in a beautiful location. The bar staff serve a great pint of local ales, there’s delicious game on the menu and the kitchen makes a mean Sunday lunch. A favourite pub to visit on my day off.’

Pub food

Recipe Collection

Vineet Bhatia, Restaurant Vineet Bhatia, London

Vineet Bhatia

Chef Profile

‘My local is my favourite: The Ealing Park Tavern in Ealing. It's a beautiful restored coach house in a beautiful leafy with some wonderful food from their open kitchen. I’m not a big drinker, but I do enjoy the buzz and the ambience there.’

Graham Garrett, The West House, Kent

Graham Garrett

The West House

‘The Three Chimneys in Biddenden is my local and I love it. It's a really old country pub with the beers straight from the barrels behind the bar and open fires in the winter. Outside, it has beautiful herb and vegetable gardens and they save me a roast on Sunday nights after service.’

Michelin star pubs

by Great British Chefs

Adam Gray, Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings, London

Adam Gray

Number Five at Devonshire Club

‘My favourite is The Wild Rabbit in Kingham, Oxfordshire, which recently won a Michelin star. Tim Allen serves great food and deserves all the success he is getting.’

Richard Davies, Epicure, Newport

Richard Davies

The Conservatory at Calcot Manor

‘One of my favourites is The Pony and Trap in Bristol, run by chef Josh Eggleton. Great food, friendly service, real ales and the best Sunday dinner in the South West. Another one really local to where I live is the Somerford Arms, a great local pub with real ales, great food at really reasonable prices, a friendly team and of course Nutmeg, the resident Boxer dog!’

Quick guide to beer and food matching

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Steven Smith, The Freemasons at Wiswell, Clitheroe

Steven Smith

The Freemasons at Wiswell

‘I love The Star Inn at Harome in Yorkshire. Not only is it a beautiful pub with a warm, cosy atmosphere in a great location, it serves fantastic food, combining great seasonal flavours with beautiful local produce. I’m a big fan of their game, which is sourced from local shoots.’

Alyn Williams, Alyn Williams at The Westbury, London

Alyn Williams

Chef Profile

‘The Norbiton and Dragon in Kingston. I don’t really go to pubs but when I lived in Kingston for a while I really liked this pub – it had a nice atmosphere and they serve lovely Thai food.’