Five-star hotel The Chester Grosvenor, has been recognised for its exemplary culinary offering — seeing its refined dining restaurant awarded 3 AA rosettes, only a week after than having been named in the Michelin Guide.
The Chester Grosvenor’s Arkle restaurant, fronted by Executive Chef Elliot Hill, has gone from strength to strength since opening this year and thanks to the hard work and dedication of the kitchen team, alongside its prestigious AA accolade, the restaurant has also been recognised in the Michelin Guide.
When former Executive Chef at The Chester Grosvenor, Simon Radley announced his departure in the summer of 2021, having held a Michelin star for 30 years, it was decided the restaurant would close permanently as “Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor” — to reopen in March 2022 as a new refined dining offering, Arkle.
Since then Arkle has forged an excellent reputation in the local area thanks to its ambitious yet classic cuisine, which looks to emulate the refined feel of the wider hotel. Centred around a seven course tasting menu which celebrates locally sourced ingredients, in just a few short months Elliot and his talented team have already put Arkle firmly on the culinary map. Something that’s now been officially recognised by both the AA and the Michelin Guide.
Alongside the quality of its food, Arkle’s success has been enhanced by its front of house team, led by Restaurant Manager, Aga Szopa, who has worked tirelessly to create a team that is confident, professional and provides flawless service — an equally important ingredient in creating a memorable dining experience.
Commenting on the recent success, Elliot Hill said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been awarded 3AA rosettes, as since opening in March this year, it's been quite a journey for all of us, so to be recognised for our hard work so soon means so much. This is just the start for Arkle and we have clear ambitions to enhance our offering yet further as we progress. I am incredibly grateful for the talented team I have around me, both in the kitchen and front of house. There is a real appreciation for everyone's roles within the restaurant and we are all working towards the same goal — which is to provide a memorable experience for our guests. Being included in the Michelin Guide is just the icing on the cake for us and really demonstrates our potential for future success.”
With the existing building dating back to 1865, The Chester Grosvenor is actually home to two highly reputable restaurants — the relaxed two AA Rosette La Brasserie, which offers all-day casual and à la carte dining, as well as Arkle, which offers a more refined dining experience. Both restaurants embody the culture of quality at the hotel and form a significant component of its highly regarded guest experience.
Steve Ogden, General Manager at The Chester Grosvenor, added: "It's been a real delight to see how far Arkle has come in recent months and it is clear that they are set firmly on a course for continued success. With the restaurant staffed by a team who are passionate and knowledgeable, and under the expert guidance of Elliot, we are delighted to uphold the exceptional standards of service and food for which we have long been known.”
For more information on the Michelin Guide, please visit: https://guide.michelin.com/gb/en/cheshire-west-and-chester/chester/restaurant/arkle
And for the AA hospitality ratings and awards process, please visit: https://www.theaa.com/hotel-services/ratings-and-awards