Two top local restaurants earn prestigious AA awards for culinary excellence

Two local restaurants in Wiltshire and Bath & North East Somerset have been recognised with prestigious AA awards for their exceptional cuisine.

The Bybrook, located at The Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe, and the Olive Tree at the Queensberry Hotel in Bath, received four rosettes each at the AA Hospitality Awards held in London on Monday, September 23. This achievement places both restaurants among an elite group of just 50 establishments across the UK to hold four rosettes, with ten of those based in London. This accolade ranks them within the top three percent of restaurants in the UK, as rated by the AA.

The Bybrook, named after a local stream, already holds a Michelin star and is known for providing a refined dining experience. The restaurant first received its Michelin star in 2017, and the recent four rosette award further underscores its commitment to excellence. The culinary approach, led by Robert Potter, focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to enhance flavour and texture.

The Olive Tree, under the direction of executive head chef Chris Cleghorn since February 2013, also boasts significant recognition. Within nine months of Cleghorn’s leadership, the restaurant earned three AA rosettes, and in October 2018, it was awarded its first Michelin star.

Picture credit: The Olive Tree