Lichfield's The Boat Restaurant Wins Coveted Michelin Star
A Lichfield restaurant that once resembled a roadside pub has been awarded a prestigious Michelin Star, solidifying the city's status as a culinary destination. This marks the second Michelin Star for Lichfield, following Tom Shepherd's Upstairs restaurant, which won four years ago.
Celebrating Culinary Excellence
The Boat, a micro-farm and casual fine-dining establishment located canalside, received its first Michelin Star at the esteemed Michelin Guide ceremony on Monday, February 9. Chef Liam Dillon, who has honed his skills in top kitchens across London, Sydney, Copenhagen, and New York, expressed his nerves and gratitude on Instagram ahead of the announcement.
He posted, "Very nervous to be sitting in a room with chefs I've admired since the day I started cooking. Here's hoping our hard work and growth at The Boat has paid off! No matter what happens, the team are all stars to me. Wish us luck!"
Transformation and Recognition
Michelin praised The Boat's journey, noting that while the walls and decor initially resembled a roadside pub, extensive renovations and dedicated efforts from the whole family have reinvented it. The guide described Liam's cooking as "skilled and detailed," highlighting dishes like Staffordshire venison and Amalfi lemon parfait made with honey from the restaurant's own farm.
Michelin added, "In the beginning, the walls and decor may have resembled a roadside pub, but endless renovations and tireless efforts from the whole family have reinvented our restaurant into a place for Liam to share his knowledge and passion for refined, British cooking with a lightness of touch."
West Midlands Culinary Boost
This win, coupled with Alex Claridge's The Wilderness in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter earning its first Michelin Star ten years after opening, strengthens the West Midlands' claim as one of Britain's premier foodie regions. The double victory underscores the area's growing reputation for innovative and high-quality dining experiences.
The Boat is situated at Walsall Road, Summerhill, Muckley Corner, Lichfield, WS14 0BU, while The Wilderness can be found at 27 Warstone Lane, Jewellery Quarter, B18 6JQ.
