A canalside restaurant in North Staffordshire has been awarded three coveted AA Rosettes.
The Flintlock at Cheddleton has become the only one in north of the county to hold the accolade and receive recognition from the prestigious scheme.
The achievement was announced at the AA Hospitality Awards 2024 held in London earlier this week.
The restaurant has recently celebrated its fourth anniversary but gained two AA Rosettes in its first year.
Chef Owner Thom Bateman said: “It is hugely gratifying to receive such a prestigious accolade from the AA, as they themselves state it is a huge jump to move up to three Rosettes from two.
“We have worked tirelessly for this as a team, and we have grown so much as a unit in the last 12 months.
“We are over the moon and as ever we will strive to go even bigger and better – accolades are never seen as a completed work here we view them as markers as we continue on our journey.
“As the only 3 Rosette restaurant in the Staffordshire Moorlands, we take that responsibility very seriously and we remain committed to provide every single guest with the best possible experience.”
According to the AA, Rosettes are a clear indicator of culinary excellence and reflect the stand-out experience diners can expect from the moment they enter the restaurant.
Three Rosettes are given to “outstanding restaurants that achieve standards that demand national recognition well beyond their local area”.
The only other restaurants in Staffordshire with three Rosettes are The Boat and Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, both in Lichfield.
Restaurants with three, four or five rosettes make up the top ten per cent of venues with the award.
The county does not currently have any restaurants with four or five rosettes.
Daily Focus recently reported that Thom is planning to open a second restaurant on the same site as The Flintlock.
Après was initially due to open this autumn with a menu featuring small plate dishes for sharing, inspired by seasonal produce.
But Thom has made changes to his plans with The Flintlock set to become a “neighbourhood restaurant” in style and Aprés offering a tasting menu.
He added: “Following an extensive review of our long-term plan we have decided to return The Flintlock concept to an à la carte-style menu offering guests more choice and variety.
“These menus will change with frequency and fluidity around seasonality with a strong focus on the best possible produce.
“Not only this but we will continue with an unfussy approach without pretence in our relaxed style – big bold flavours with intuitive, professional and friendly service.
“This will make room for our Aprés concept to adopt our tasting menu. This space will provide an intimate cosy setting where we can curate and deliver a refined, ingredient-led offering.
“Aprés will have just 16 covers and focus on incredible produce served in a multi-course set menu format.”
Aprés is expected to open in December with reservations going live soon.
