Lords of the Manor is one of 26 restaurants to win a star in the latest edition of the Michelin Guide confirming its reputation as one of the UK's most exciting restaurants. The result, announced this weekend, represents the culmination of a great year for the team at the Cotswold country hotel, which has seen the hotel undergo a £1.5 million refurbishment in the last 12 months. It is a remarkable achievement for executive chef, Matt Weedon who only joined the hotel in February 2008.

Says Matt Weedon of the announcement, "The Michelin star is the greatest start to 2009 that we could have hoped for. We've all been working really hard towards it in the last year, refining menus and fine-tuning service. We're all absolutely delighted to have had our hard work and passion rewarded by the world's best known restaurant guide. This is just the beginning for us."

Matt joined Lords of the Manor from Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire in February 2008. He is known for his love of classical French food which comes through in his exciting seasonal menus all based on quality ingredients, many of which come from top local suppliers. His cooking has strong roots in the classical repertoire yet chimes with the modern taste for light, refined dishes.

The à la carte menu includes starters such as Salad of Poivrade Artichokes, Truffled Green Beans, Perigord Truffle Dressing and Roasted Isle of Skye Scallops, Pancetta, Cauliflower and Curry Oil. Main courses might be Pan-fried John Dory, Caramelised Sweetbreads, Carrots, Gingerbread, Chicken Jus or Fillet of Beef, Oxtail Ballotine, Bone Marrow, Onion Purée and Red Wine Sauce. Desserts include Blood Orange Marshmallow, Kalamansi Parfait, Chilled Blood Orange Soup and Praline Mousse, Walnut Croquant, Pedro Ximenez Jelly, Prune Ice Cream. Dinner costs £49, with a tasting menu at £65.

The subtly furnished and comfortable restaurant is also known for its outstanding wine cellar which boasts a particularly impressive selection of Italian fine wines, including big names from Barolo and Brunello as well as lesser known wines from boutique wineries from all over Italy.

Gareth Pugh says, "The star is testament to the talent and passion of the entire team here at Lords of the Manor. It spurs us on all the more to continue to deliver 100 per cent to all our loyal customers. Our objective in the last 12 months was to get Lords of the Manor firmly on the map as one of the UK's leading foodie destinations and we feel the star reflects our success"

Lords of the Manor is a converted 17th Century rectory, hidden away in a timeless corner of the Cotswolds. The 26 bedroom hotel stands within 8 acres of secluded gardens and parkland, and is ideally situated for exploring the glorious countryside all around it, as well as neighbouring attractions such as Bath, Sudeley Castle and Gardens, Warwick Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon.

For further media information and images or to set up an interview with Matt Weedon, please contact Sophie or Jo at
Tel: 0207 038 3660 Mob: 07956 317 124
jo.p@cookeandbrandpr.co.uk