If you’ve ever eaten at The Royal Hotel, you won’t be surprised to hear that they’ve made it into the 2012 Good Food Guide.
Praised for ‘refined dining in an elegant setting’, under the direction of Head Chef, Alan Staley (right), the Royal has held two AA rosettes for excellent food over 15 years.
If you haven’t been there, the style is modern British, using good quality ingredients, simply cooked. Worth sampling (a favourite for us) is one of the signature dishes, Gallybagger souffle with cauliflower veloute (also a favourite with VB food reviewer, Kurt Ganzl).
“Can’t praise my team enough”
Alan Staley said, “It’s absolutely fantastic to be listed alongside the best restaurants in the UK. I can’t praise my team enough, from the apprentices to the senior sous chefs. This is an acknowledgement of all their hard work and passion and I am very proud of them!”
Aside from us here at VB, other fans of the Royal’s food include actor Hugh Bonneville, singer Lesley Garrett and Times Editor Julia Brookes.
Praise for the staff who work hard to maintain the high standards expected at The Royal doesn’t end with Alan.
Managing Director William Bailey said, “This has been a busy year for us and the team have worked very hard to keep up high standards and produce wonderful food. This is a massive achievement not only for The Royal but for the island which is justly gaining a reputation as a gourmet destination.”
Dining out in the SE is flourishing
Elizabeth Carter, Consultant Editor of The Good Food Guide, said, “Dining out in the South East is flourishing – an impressive number of new entries in The Good Food Guide 2012 sit alongside some great fine-dining experiences and seasoned favourites, all contributing to a thriving and dynamic culinary scene in the region.”
The Pond Cafe is also included this year, with Robert Thompson’s The Hambrough reaching 20 out of UK top 50 restaurants.
Well done to them both too!
The Good Food Guide 2012 publishes on 8th September 2011 priced £16.99.
Find out more about The Royal Hotel by visiting their Website.
