We started looking at the accessibility of the restaurants of the Chefs taking part in the BBC’s Great British Menu – this year it’s for veterans of the D-Day Landings in WWII – some of whom I’m sure are frail or suffering from a disability.

Week 2 the North West heat, had Daniel Clifford of Midsummer House, as judge. Not a good start as he makes disabled guests go to the pub across the bridge if they need to use the toilet – not good for a 2 Michelin Star restaurant and if you see my review Cambridge City Council gave the planning permission for one when they first opened many years ago.

Let’s see if the chefs from the North West fare any better:

Mark Ellis and his restaurant 1851 in Peckforton Castle has flat access and a disabled toilet on the ground floor but there are 15-20 steps up to the restaurant. There’s a lift but to use it you have to get out of your wheelchair. Alternatively they have carried people up the stairs. Mark Ellis came 3rd but at least his restaurant has made some improvements for the less able, Daniel!! A provisional 2 BBS Ticks for 1851.

Next was Mary Ellen McTague and her restaurant Aumbry (see previous review)…Daniel please note it’s also an old building but with disabled facilities. They’ve already been given 2.5 provisional BBS Ticks as it’s accessible with a disabled toilet. Trained by Heston Blumenthal her food looks good as well.

The winner was James Durrant of the Plough Inn, Longparish. They’ve got flat access, bar a small ramp, into the restaurant and a disabled toilet. The food sounds amazing and his main course ‘Blitz Spirit’ of English Rose Veal, Braised Cheeks, Sauteed Sweetbreads, Beans ,Mushrooms & Toast scored 10/10 and Prue Leith said, “This is one of the best dishes I’ve ever eaten.”

James also worked under Jason Atherton one of my favourite chefs so I can’t wait to go and we think they should get a provisional 3 BBS Ticks for great access and style!

So the veterans can eat ‘comfortably’ at all 3 of the North West restaurants but Daniel Clifford needs to ‘up his game’ as he kept saying throughout the show…….

Week 3’s heat from the South West is to follow soon.

Blue Badge Style

We Re-Define Disability With Style

1851 at Peckforton Castle

1851 at Peckforton Castle

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