Two Rosettes within 6 months of opening

The executive head chef of a leading Cheshire hotel has gained his ambition of earning two AA Rosettes within six months of its opening.

Richard Clark joined the Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa in Cobblers Cross Lane, Tarporley, ahead of the completion of its £11.8 million refurbishment and extension in the summer.

He immediately pledged to earn the Ranulf Restaurant two AA rosettes – and he was true to his word following a surprise visit by an inspector.

The coveted awards were granted following a three-course meal of salmon ballotine with smoked haddock brandade with red pepper syrup, confit free range chicken leg with truffled leeks, sauté potatoes and sep sauce and classic gateau opera with coffee caviar and vanilla foam.

Everywhere I have worked we have had two or three AA rosettes and we have been cooking food to a two AA rosette standard,” Richard said.

I think our standards are strong and I thought it was only a matter of time. We didn’t know an inspector would be coming but chefs always get paranoid when there is a booking for a table for one.

When we found out we had achieved two rosettes there was a very big sense of pride and a huge sense of relief.

I have a young kitchen team but they have high standards as well as having a great deal of potential. Young chefs are the best to work with because you can teach them.

My sous chef Alan Owen and my junior chef James Hirst have also always worked at two or three rosette restaurants which means there is consistently good food served here.

To have achieved two AA rosettes means that we are now on par with more established venues and we have to continually keep on providing quality cuisine.

The Ranulf Restaurant looks out onto a grassed roof over the leisure club and spa which has been laid to overlook the Cheshire countryside.

Richard added: Instead of looking at a concrete roof, our guests have a landscaped view and when it comes a bit warmer it will be a great place to have al fresco dining overlooking our grounds and the surrounding countryside.