Montgomery - News

After a period as self-catering accommodation, The Checkers will now reopen as a restaurant under the stewardship of master chef Andrew Birch and his wife Rachel, a pastry chef. Once again, The Checkers is set to become a star in the crown of culinary Montgomery following in the footsteps of Michelin star chef Stéphane Borie who ran the restaurant for many years. 

Andrew and Rachel have had an illustrious career in a number of notable restaurants in the UK but it had long been a dream to have their very own establishment. When they came to the area to visit Wagyu beef farmer, Ifor Humphreys, they popped into Montgomery and immediately felt an affinity with the fine old town and since then have kept an eye on places to run their restaurant.

Andrew has featured on Great British Menu on BBC2, and in 2016 was one of the chefs representing Wales. He has been head chef at The Bell in Monmouthshire and Fishmore Hall in Ludlow to name but two, and brings his imagination and expertise to Montgomery.

Andrew and Rachel will be opening The Checkers on March 25th and are already fully booked for their first evening of 30 covers in the newly refurbished restaurant. They will focus on using the highest quality produce, locally sourced wherever possible, and creating the best in taste with their knowledge and ingenuity. Expect some very fine dining and, if you really want to make a night of it, the restaurant offers four beautifully furnished rooms and guests can book in for an evening meal, bed and breakfast. For people planning a special event, Andrew and Rachel will be happy to book the whole restaurant and rooms for a party of visitors.

The pair will be offering dinner on Wednesday evenings then lunch and dinner on Thursday through to Saturday and a traditional lunch on Sunday. Andrew is never short of ideas and is planning handing the kitchen to a guest master chef on the last Sunday of the month as well as running cookery school events.

Andrew and Rachel and their two children Elizabeth and Albert have been warmly welcomed to Montgomery by residents and fellow business owners. Elizabeth is loving Montgomery Primary School whilst Albert, who is just two, is looking forward to Mini Montys. The children recently met up with Mayor, Jill Kibble, who was promptly questioned by Elizabeth on whether she wore a crown or a tiara. The Mayor is considering which she will choose for her first visit to this fine addition to Montgomery that is sure to bring new business to the retail and accommodation providers in the lovely old town. 

For information and to book online go to www.checkerswales.co.uk

Photo: The Checkers sign is repainted by Franklin Signs in preparation for the restaurant reopening later in March