Michelin Guide accolade for Castor fine dining restaurant

The Chubby Castor, which opened at the former Fitzwilliam Arms pub in Castor in February, was the area’s only newly recommended venue in the “foodies’ bible”- although there were a few surprising omissions.

Executive chef Adebola Adeshina, who has a track record of involvement with Michelin Starred restaurants - notably Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and Petrus - described it as a great honour to be featured.

“We have only been open seven months, and had only been open for three or four months when the inspector visited, so I was not expecting anything,” he said.

“I come from a Michelin background so this is for the team,” he added. “It shows we are going in the right direction, cooking good food and being consistent, and we can press for the next level .

“It is an honour to be featured and to get accolades. We are progressing slowly, which works best for us, taking one step at a time. If we keep doing what we do, then hopefully we will catch the eye of AA, the Good Food Guide and Harden’s.”

Chubby Castor offers “civilised dining with a focus on fresh and locally sourced produce, cooked in a modern British way” which has clearly impressed the Michelin inspector.

However, Ade added: “At the end of the day the restaurant is a business and I would rather be rewarded by people coming through the doors and enjoying great food. The industry recognition is a bonus, but we cook to please the customers”.

Lee Clarke’s Prevost, in Priestgate in the city centre, maintained its recommendation for the third year in succession - making it an eight year association for Lee including his time at Clarke’s.

“I am pleased Prevost is in the Guide again,” he said. “To get in and stay in means you have to work very hard, you cannot rest on your laurels, and it is always nice to have your efforts recognised.

“It is great to see The Chubby Castor in too, because it is deserved. Dameon at The Wicked Witch in Ryhall is “Mr Consistent”, and The Fox at Folksworth is flying the flag locally for the pub food scene.

“But I am also disappointed and surprised to see The Blue Bell at Glinton and Zada at Stamford removed.”

The Blue Bell, was omitted after five years, but a disappointed head chef Will Frankgate, said it was “business as usual.”

He said: “We have had no feedback from the inspector, so we are not sure why we are not in the guide.

“The pub is busy and the team work hard. We will always be grateful to be recognised as a good place to eat and drink, and that reputation has been built up from our customers.

“So no change on that part. It’s business as usual for us.”

Also omitted were Turkish restaurant Zada, in Stamford, after two years, and The Beehive in the city centre, which converted to a fish and chip restaurant last year.