THE Michelin starred Angel at Hetton has become the first restaurant in Yorkshire to be awarded five AA Rosettes.

The highest accolade given by the AA Restaurant Guide is awarded for culinary excellence and marks it out as comparable with the best restaurants in the world.

The Angel now joins an elite list of just ten restaurants in the UK at the pinnacle of culinary excellence including The Fat Duck at Bray, Berkshire, and Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire.

Owner Michael Wignall received the honour at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on Monday (September 23) at the AA guidebook's annual hospitality awards.

Michael, chef patron, and his wife, Johanna, took over The Angel in 2018, and has since transformed it into a 'beacon of culinary artistry'.

Known as the UK’s original gastropub, and housed in a 15th century inn, it has held a Michelin star since 2019 and was named number two in the country in the Top 100 National Restaurant Awards in 2021.

Michael said they were immensely proud.

“Being awarded five AA rosettes is an incredible honour for us. This award is testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work displayed by our entire team," he said.

"It signifies recognition of our relentless pursuit of culinary excellence and innovation, and, for me, personally, it validates our commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences to our guests.

"We are immensely proud and grateful for this achievement, and it inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of what we can offer at our beloved restaurant with rooms."

Simon Numphud, managing director of AA Media, added: “It has been fantastic for the AA to follow Michael’s cooking across his entire career.

"He is one of our most talented British chefs who has been cooking at the highest level for so long. It comes as no surprise that five years after opening The Angel, Michael has for third time achieved the ultimate cooking accolade of 5 AA Rosettes.”

The Angel at Hetton, which has recently undergone a five year renovation project, now has 16 luxurious guestrooms.

A one-night stay costs from £520 for two sharing, including an eight-course tasting menu in the restaurant.