Whatley Manor chef wins second Michelin Star

In the 2009 Michelin Star awards Martin Burge, Head Chef at Whatley Manor has won his 2nd Michelin Star. Burge, aged 37, achieved his first star in January 2005, 18 months after the exclusive 23 bedroomed hotel opened in July 2003, in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside.

The award recognises his acclaimed cuisine in ‘The Dining Room’, where guests are treated to a gastronomic experience of classical French cuisine with a modern interpretation.

On hearing the news of the award Burge commented “I am over the moon!” he was also quick to recognise the dedication of his loyal brigade and in particular paid tribute to his Premier Sous Chef, Tim Allen, who has worked with him for nine years.

“Getting my first Michelin star in 2005 was one of the proudest moments of my career and to have now gone on to achieve the 2nd star is further testament to the quality of the food and overall dining experience as well as the commitment of my brigade. For Michelin to have recognised us with a second star, demonstrates that we are performing to some of the highest standards in the UK and now consolidating this achievement is of paramount importance to us”.

He went on to say “unlike most chefs my kitchen runs two restaurants and it would also be great for us to see the high quality food that is being produced by Le Mazot recognised for its excellence and outstanding value for money”.

The Dining Room has 40 covers and is open for dinner, Wednesday – Sundays whilst Le Mazot has 70 covers and is open daily for lunch and dinner. This allows him the flexibility to rotate the brigade between the two restaurants in order that they can gain as much knowledge and experience of the two restaurant styles.

In the Dining Room he serves an á la carte and a tasting menu showcasing dishes such as ‘Scottish Langoustine Tails served with bacon glazed in soy, cauliflower puree, topped with Thai foam’ followed by a ‘Taste of Veal prepared several ways, served with hazelnut puree and its juices enriched with Madeira’ with a choice of desserts to include ‘Roasted black figs with pistachio and yogurt cream, mandarin sorbet and red wine reduction’.

Christian Landolt, owner of Whatley Manor commented “The news of Martin receiving a 2nd Michelin star is totally overwhelming. In my view the time, effort, dedication and attention to detail placed into their work thoroughly justifies this award. For me it is the most emotionally charged accolade we have received so far. Indeed the previous awards we have been privileged to receive were rather unexpected whereas Martin stated his desire to get the second star right from the opening of Whatley Manor. We therefore did all we could to support him on his quest. To achieve this status within five and a half years is tremendous”.

Burge also credits general manager, Peter Egli in his achievement “Peter has always given me total freedom to develop my dishes with utter trust and support enabling me to be able to use prime ingredients. In addition he has always set realistic targets so that I have never had to compromise on the quality of cuisine that I know the brigade is able to deliver”.

Peter Egli, General Manager of Whatley Manor commented “I am so happy and proud with this fantastic news; to receive two stars from Michelin is an impressive achievement. My Head Chef, Martin Burge deserves this so much. This outstanding news has created a huge ripple of excitement throughout the hotel which is a great motivation for us all to continue to strive even further in the pursuit of excellence to delight all of our valued guests”.

The Dining Room serves dinner Wednesday – Sunday. The À la carte menu in the Dining Room costs from £65 per person. The seven course tasting menu is £80 per person. Wine matching alongside the Tasting menu is an additional £45. Le Mazot, the brasserie is open daily for lunch and dinner. A three course lunch in Le Mazot costs from £22 excluding wine.

A one night stay at Whatley Manor costs from £290 for a standard room including bed and breakfast and 10% discretionary service charge and VAT, & use of the award winning spa Aquarias.

For further information and to book log on to Whatleymanor.com.