Getting third Michelin star incredible, chef says

The chef in charge of a restaurant which has become one of only a handful in the UK to hold three Michelin stars has said the achievement feels "incredible".

Moor Hall, in the village of Aughton near Ormskirk, opened in 2017 and received its first two stars in the two following years.

Awarding a third star in the Michelin Guide, its inspectors said every dish from chef Mark Birchall was "simply brilliant" and it was now one of the best dining experiences in the world.

Birchall said it was something of a dream come true to get what is the guide's highest accolade.

The Michelin Guide's existence dates back to 1889, when the brothers behind the brand launched a travel guide in the form of a little red book to encourage transportation - and therefore boost tyre sales - in France.

It has since expanded to other cities around the world and has become a living guide - restaurants can earn - and lose - stars.

It awards restaurants either one, two or three stars, with the highest award being given to a select few which its inspectors deem to be delivering "exceptional cuisine" and so be "worth a special journey".

Making Moor Hall the only new three-star restaurant in the UK and Ireland in 2025, the guide said it did not "award three stars lightly".

"It is a distinction that often takes years to achieve, as chefs continue to hone their craft to greater levels of excellence," it said.

"Moor Hall, the delightful gastronomic getaway in rural Lancashire, has now reached those levels."

They said the level of culinary craft was "outstanding" and the food was "as satisfying as it is impressive".

"Led by Chef Mark Birchall, the entire team at Moor Hall are a credit to their profession [and] create a dining experience that can now officially be counted as one of the best in the world," they added.

The chef said becoming the 10th restaurant to currently hold the honour in the UK and Ireland, only two of which are sited outside London and Bray in Berkshire, was a special moment.

"I think you kind of dream about these things," he said.

"You kind of almost act it out in your mind of how you would be, but the emotion is incredible."

He added that he believed the secret to Moor Hall's success was having a good team and making all its guests "feel so special".

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