Squerryes Restaurant in Westerham Wins two AA Rosettes

Squerryes in Westerham have recently been awarded two converted AA Rosettes for their popular Winery Restaurant.

The restaurant, which benefits from being close to London, not only attracts diners from the local vicinity but from nearby Sevenoaks, Bromley and Orpington.

At just 32 years of age, the restaurant is led by Head Chef Seamus McDonagh, an up-and-coming chef in Kent. As a passionate Irish farmer’s boy, he began learning to cook with his grandmother in the family kitchen back home in County Galway before training and working his way up through pubs and restaurants in Ireland, Australia and Kent. He’s now using his platform at Squerryes to thrive and develop his culinary skills.

Reflecting on the recent award, Seamus said: “It’s fantastic to have been awarded two Rosettes this year. We try to design dishes on our menu that show you can make anything taste delicious. A lot of our style is based around comfort and a modern play on classics. The Warde family, who own the Squerryes Estate, live by the motto ‘Licet Esse Beatis’, which is Latin for ‘it is permitted to be joyful’. At Squerryes, we are in the business of creating joy and that’s what I hope our food also gives diners.”

Squerryes owner Henry Warde said: “Over the last 18 months, it’s been a pleasure to see Seamus grow in his passion for everything we’re trying to achieve here at Squerryes and the skills he brings to the kitchen. Winning a rosette last year and now two rosettes, Seamus is going to create something very special at Squerryes and we are aiming to work towards a Michelin Green Star.”

First introduced in 1956, the AA Rosette award scheme is a nationwide scheme for assessing the quality of food served by restaurants and hotels. The scheme is a celebration of successful cooking at different levels across the UK – Rosettes are a clear indicator of culinary excellence and reflect the stand-out experience diners can expect from the moment they enter the restaurant.

Two Rosettes are awarded by the AA inspectors to excellent restaurants that achieve higher standards and better consistency. A greater precision is apparent in the cooking, and there will be obvious attention to the selection of quality ingredients. Around 40% of restaurants/hotels in the AA Restaurant Guide have two Rosettes.

The AA Inspectors said: “Situated on the beautiful North Downs, this first-floor restaurant overlooks a 2,500-acre estate that produces vintage English sparkling wine. A wine theme runs throughout the dining room, from a cork-patterned floor to burgundy red walls lined with wine bottles and vinous imagery. The well executed modern British dishes demonstrate plenty of inventive ideas.”

Squerryes Winery Restaurant General Manager Sam Spennacchi said: “It is fantastic to see the team’s hard work and dedication recognised with this second AA Rosette. The support from our local farmers, guests and the restaurant team has built something very special and I am very proud of everyone involved. We’re now looking ahead to our next project of our Tasting Bar, which will focus on the award-winning Squerryes wines, paired with individual tasting plates, and of course I am looking forward to the coming summer season on our beautiful Terrace.”

With a 300-year history, Squerryes in Westerham is known for its award-winning vintage sparkling wines, all of which can be found on the restaurant’s wine list. Authored by Laura Evans, Master of Wine, diners can also savour exciting new finds from the old and new world alongside a special collection of English wines.

As ingredients change frequently, so do the menus at Squerryes. Easter will see the menu change to feature succulent estate-reared lamb and other delicious seasonal dishes.

Many of the seasonal dishes available on the menu use produce found on the 2,500-acre Estate. Squerryes is sustainability led and inspired by the seasons, foraging flora and fauna from the Estate as well as adopting a true Nose-to-Tail philosophy, where animals are used to their full potential.

As well as the award-winning restaurant, Squerryes has a well-deserved reputation for its well-stocked Cellar Door, local produce in The Estate Deli and Garden Café.

Squerryes also offers ‘Wine Experiences’ all year round, with summer tours and tastings from mid-April to harvest in October, Friday to Sunday. These can be booked in advance.