Welsh restaurant The Checkers ‘hands back’ their Michelin Star

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With the Michelin Guide UK 2019 set to be released in just over two weeks’ time, a restaurant located in Wales has made the decision to 'hand back' its Michelin Star.

The Checkers which is in Montgomery -  a historic market town on the Welsh border, offers classic French fine dining and luxury accommodation in Mid Wales is owned by Stéphane Borie, Sarah Francis and Kathryn Francis who have taken the decision to hand back their star. They have said that they no longer wish to have The Checkers listed in the Michelin Guide as they are ‘changing the direction of its business’.

The restaurant was first awarded a Michelin star in its opening year of 2011 and has maintained it ever since.

Stéphane will be moving away from cooking at the restaurant and plans to cook for private clients throughout the UK and Europe. The restaurant will be run by Sarah (Stéphane’s partner and her sister Kathryn).

Speaking to The Shropshire Star, Sarah said: “Of course it is tinged with sadness - we have treasured our star for seven years, it is the ultimate benchmark of our trade. To say we are in effect giving it back is huge.”

She continued: “But it is also exciting as we open The Checkers to a wider audience while staying true to what we all love – truly delicious food, a relaxing and friendly atmosphere in one of the most beautiful towns on the border.”

Chef-proprietor Stéphane and partner Sarah, both trained under the tutelage of renowned chef Michel Roux Senior, and collectively have built a reputation for delivering classical French cuisine in their restaurant. 

Stéphane said: “I have loved our time at The Checkers. Our business is unrecognisable from the start of our journey just over 10 years ago at The Herbert Arms.

“I feel immensely proud of what we have achieved and see this very much as our next step. Sarah is a superb chef and I have every faith in our team on this new adventure. And I will look forward to returning for pop-up dinners throughout the year.