The Walnut Tree Inn, the iconic Michelin-starred restaurant near Abergavenny, has been named ’Timeless Classic’ in Food & Travel Magazine’s Reader Awards.
The prestigious Food and Travel Reader Awards have been running since 2012, and the 2022 ceremony was held at the prestigious Royal Automobile Club on Pall Mall, London. Celebrating the very best from the world of food, drink and travel, across 23 categories, restaurants, chefs, hotels, destinations, tour operators, cruise companies and airlines were among those honoured.
Legendary chef Shaun Hill, who’s been at the helm at The Walnut Tree since 2008, says: “I’m so pleased to win this category. It reflects not just my 15 years here at the Walnut Tree, but the heritage it came with. Even better that it was a readers’ choice.”
Alex Mead, Editor-at-Large, Food and Travel magazine said: “The readers voted in their thousands, which makes it very special for every winner and everybody who made the shortlist. These awards are completely unique because both the shortlist and the winners are voted for by readers and not a panel of judges.”
The Walnut Tree has held a Michelin Star since 2010 and is renowned for its unpretentious food served in an elegant but informal setting. Hill’s food is rich in classical techniques and carefully sourced ingredients, yet feels simple and of the moment. The Walnut Tree has been a food-lovers destination since the early 1960s when it was owned and run by Franco Taruschio.
Menus change daily but include the like of Scallops with lentil and coriander sauce; Rabbit fricassée; Cod with cauliflower and hazelnut dressing; Middle White pork loin with black pudding and cromesqui; Orange and almond cake with milk ice cream and fig tart with honey and ricotta ice cream. The wine list favours small and artisan makers, with house Champagnes from Billecart-Salmon.
The Walnut Tree’s sister hotel, The Angel in Abergavenny, was a runner up in the Rural Hotel of the Year Award.
