'Michelin green star is pinnacle of my career'

The owner of a restaurant awarded a prestigious Michelin green star has described it as the "pinnacle" of his career.

Wild Shropshire in Whitchurch was among five restaurants this year to receive the honour, which has only been awarded to 36 venues in total.

Owner and chef patron James Sherwin, who was born in Wolverhampton and moved to Shropshire 18 years ago, said he was blown away by the award.

The accolade is given to restaurants offering dining experiences "that combine culinary excellence with outstanding eco-friendly commitments".

"Without trying to sound too ridiculous, it's literally the pinnacle of my career so far," he said.

"Opening the restaurant was brilliant… but to be included in the Michelin Guide and to get the only star of any kind in Shropshire, it's massive for us."

The Michelin Guide hailed Wild Shropshire's atmosphere and its farm, which is where produce is grown to supply the kitchen.

It was described as an "organic, biodynamic and regenerative operation" which is 96% waste free.

The restaurant's sustainable practices include a strict no-dig policy at the farm and composting or recycling any waste.

All of its juices and alcoholic drinks are made on-site and plans are being drawn up to use solar energy, collect rainwater and build a pond to increase biodiversity.

Mr Sherwin, 46, has been a chef for 12 years and said Wild Shropshire began as a pop-up about six years ago.

The restaurant opened at its current site more than three years ago and land for the farm was gifted by Mr Sherwin's in-laws, who are retired farmers.

He said the award was not the reason for putting environmental sustainability at the forefront of the restaurant's operation, although he added that it was nice to get a "pat on the back".

"I think we should be doing everything we can to make what we do worthwhile," he said.

"Every industry that is taking from the planet… should be making some sort of effort and putting it at the forefront of their business model."

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