Harden's survey result
Summary
“You are served in a large dining room under a giant moon” in this striking eatery – a centrepiece of the World of Wedgwood – which was added to this factory-visit and museum experience in late 2021. Named for a seventeenth-century dining club filled with luminaries of the Midlands Enlightenment, and overseen by local lad Niall Keating (who left behind two Michelin stars to take up the opportunity), it brings a pleasing level of ambition to underserved Staffs and The Potteries. There’s a relatively affordable à la carte menu, or an eight-course tasting menu for £120 per person. Given that its mere presence is a minor miracle in the area, it’s not hard to be bowled over and it delivers “frequently excellent dishes – often containing luxury ingredients, formally but attentively and helpfully served, if in a space that is perhaps a little large to feel completely at home in”. On the flip-side, even those who think it “very good” can still find it “overpriced”.
Summary
“Everything about this place is wonderful, most importantly the food but also the staff, the building and the decor. Incredible!". So say fans of this mouldbreaking late 2021 newcomer, whose high falutin’ fine dining formula challenges expectations of both The Potteries generally, and the large unit it inhabits in particular (with 80 covers and a chef’s table for 12). Overseen by local lad Niall Keating, head chef Craig Lunn produces a twelve-course tasting menu for just under £100 per person – “local Staffordshire produce plus hints of Japan and Asia”. Feedback is still quite limited however, and the overall rating moderated by those who feel the performance is merely “good” rather than “outstanding”.
Summary
Staffs-born chef Niall Keating (of Whatley Manor) will break new ground with this November 2021 opening in the potteries, at the World of Wedgwood. Actually, it will be overseen by Keating as executive chef, but run day-to-day by head chef Craig Lunn. The 80-seat restaurant will feature a four-metre concrete Chef’s Table for up to 12 as a group or for individuals to share. Typical dishes on a menu ranging from small to larger plates will include wild mushroom congee with sea herbs; and roasted tranche of day-boat turbot with truffle and caviar. Not many places serving that in these parts hitherto, we’d wager. Across the venue there will be Wedgwood casts and moulds, as well as Wedgwood tableware and Waterford Crystal glassware to be used for service.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
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Wedgwood Drive, Barlaston, ST12 9ER
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £95.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £5.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Wedgwood Drive, Barlaston, ST12 9ER
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | CLOSED |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:45 pm‑8:45 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:45 pm‑8:45 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:45 pm‑8:45 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4 pm |
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