PETER and Pat Murchison certainly appreciate fine food.
The Kenilworth couple have been regulars at the Michelin-starred The Cross in their home town since 2013, with Peter regularly posting positive reviews on a national restaurant guide website.
And to celebrate their 125th visit, the award-winning pub treated them to a glass of champagne on arrival followed by a complimentary three course lunch.
Executive chef Adam Bennett said: “It’s always a joy to serve Peter and Pat and their unwavering loyalty is a great motivation for the team.
“Our aim is always to give our guests a fantastic experience and for them to choose The Cross on 125 occasions is truly special and needs to be recognised.”
Peter and Pat are not however alone in appreciating The Cross, which under the guidance of Adam has held a Michelin star for over six years, also proudly boasts three AA Rosettes and which last year also received a Good Food Award Gold Seal.
The New Street pub has also once again been recognised as a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award-winner for restaurants for a third consecutive year.
The Travellers’ Choice awards celebrate restaurants that consistently deliver top experiences to travellers around the globe and are based on reviews and ratings over the past year.
The Cross has a consistency high rating on Tripadvisor with recent comments including “great foodie experience”, “very very tasty dishes” and “beautifully presented”.
Adam said: “Like all restaurants we continue to face big challenges but to know that we are delivering great experiences to our guests and receiving awards such as this makes the determination worthwhile.
“It’s also a big credit to the team who continue to work incredibly hard to deliver the standards expected of a Michelin starred pub.”
Tripadvisor chief commercial officer Kanika Soni said the awards recognised the best in tourism and hospitality, according to those who mattered most – “your guests”.
She added: “Ranking among the Travellers’ Choice winners is always tough — but never more so than this year as we emerge from the pandemic.
“Whether it’s using new technology, implementing safety measures, or hiring outstanding staff, I’m impressed by the steps you’ve taken to meet travellers’ new demands. You’ve adapted brilliantly in the face of adversity.”
Visit www.thecrosskenilworth.co.uk for further details.
What makes The Cross so special?
You can of course eat well in many establishments around the area, but how many dining experiences really stick in the mind. The difference is you will remember eating at The Cross. That is every bit as true for the first time customer as it is for Mr and Mrs Murchison.
The reason is down to pure passion and attention to detail. Chef-director Adam Bennett and his team have not held a Michelin star for over six years without very good reason.
The knowledge and skill displayed in the kitchen under Adam’s meticulous eye ensures every single ingredient on every single plate has earned its place within its respective dish, and also that every ingredient sings within that dish, from melt-in-the-mouth slow cooked beef cheeks to the toasted pumpkin seeds of the beautifully balanced spiced butternut squash velouté.
The Cross’ has always strived to elevate traditional British cuisine by serving ever-changing seasonal menus, which include A La Carte, lunch and a lunch tasting. Only the finest ingredients find their way into the kitchen, which includes exceptional produce sourced from local suppliers.
A kitchen can deliver winning food all day long but that would count for little if service was not up to scratch.
The high standards of the kitchen are reflected front of house from the moment a customer, old or new, steps through the door of the grade II listed 19th-century inn – parts of which have, down the years, also served a former schools room (now the main dining room) and a butcher’s shop ( the main bar).
Front of house staff are friendly, attentive without being over-bearing, and importantly, they know what they are presenting to customers.
Many will no doubt immediately think – ‘Michelin star, that’s not going to be cheap’. No it isn’t, but with lunch at £40 for three courses, for a standard which elevates it far beyond any high street national chain eatery, it is superb value for money.
And for any who may think Michelin star equals stuffiness, then they have certainly not yet enjoyed the warm, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at The Cross.
Dining at The Cross is a real experience, one to literally be savoured, and chances are, like Mr and Mrs Murchison, once you’ve dined there you’ll be eager to return.
