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Award puts restaurant in top 10% in country

BBC A man in a long sleeve top and dark apron, sitting on a chair in a restaurant, his hands clasped togetherBBC
Chef Thom Bateman opened The Flintlock, Cheddleton, during the pandemic

A restaurant in the Staffordshire Moorlands is celebrating being awarded a top industry accolade.

The Flintlock at Cheddleton, which has been open for four years, has been awarded three AA Rosettes - putting it in the top 10% of restaurants in the country.

It is the only establishment in the north of the county to hold the award.

"It's huge for us, it's massive for the business...we are incredibly proud," said chef Thom Bateman.

Mr Bateman, who appeared on TV show The Great British Menu and opened the restaurant in September 2020, said he always believed they would receive the award, but not this quickly.

"We have worked relentlessly to make this happen," he said.

AA Rosette inspectors described The Flintlock as serving food that is "underpinned by classic technique and steers away from pretension."

A blue canopy across the front of a two storey cream building. The canopy has the words The Flintlock at Cheddleton written on it
The canalside fine dining restaurant was opened in September 2020

Restaurant manager Patrick Bostock said to be awarded three AA Rosettes "essentially puts you in the top 10% of all restaurants in the country.

"It's a very small group to be a part of, and a very tough one to get into."

Despite the latest accolade, Mr Bateman said it was business as usual.

"Nothing changes, everyday is just as good as we can be and better, that's always the plan."

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