Magnifique! Four AA rosettes for The French
THE accolades keep on coming for Adam Reid at The French.
The Midland Hotel’s fine dining restaurant has been awarded four AA rosettes, 18 months after the Manchester-born chef took the reins from Michelin-starred mentor Simon Rogan.
The latest honour comes after the restaurant climbed four places in the Good Food Guide to be named the 13th best restaurant in the UK earlier this month.
Reid said: “To be awarded a fourth rosette after just 18 months since opening is amazing. It is all down to the hard work and dedication of the team in both the kitchen and service.
“Creating our own identity and personality has been our main aim and to see these accolades arriving on the back of that makes us very proud.”
The French is now the only restaurant in Manchester with four AA rosettes. Could it be a good omen when the next crop of Michelin stars are handed out next Monday?
The Midland Hotel institution was the last Manchester city centre restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star, which it held from 1974 to 1977. It has been one of the city’s highest hopes for a star again in recent years after L’Enclume chef Simon Rogan was brought on board in 2013. He parted ways with the hotel last year after the goal eluded him, leaving Reid in charge. The restaurant was left emptyhanded again last year but, while those inspectors work in mysterious ways, Reid should have reason to feel optimistic this year. Just 46 restaurants in the country hold four AA rosettes, all but seven of which also have at least one Michelin star. The French is now also the highest ranked restaurant in the Good Food Guide without a Michelin star. Moor Hall, Mark Birchall’s restaurant with rooms near Aughton, Lancashire, was awarded five AA rosettes after winning its first Michelin star last year, just six months after opening. A spokesperson said: “We are delighted to be awarded our fifth rosette for culinary excellence by the AA Restaurant Guide. The award acknowledges the magnificent culinary skills and standards delivered by Mark and the team, who have worked tirelessly to create delicate and inspired dishes for you to enjoy.” Adam Reid, chef-patron at The French