Peak inside Michelin Star Pensons after Visit England award

Pensons Restaurant, in Tenbury Wells, has been plating up fresh and locally sourced food for its customers for the past four years. 

People travel from afar to visit the quirky restaurant that serves modern cuisine in a restored barn.

It is the only Michelin Star restaurant in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. 

Staff were left feeling "chuffed" after they also won the Taste of England at Visit England Awards for Excellence for Best Restaurants.

Britt Willoughby Dyer (Image: Britt Willoughby Dyer)

They are also one of the only 40 restaurants in the country to hold a Michelin Green Star for sustainability.

Pensons in Tenbury Wells (Image: Pensons)

Peta Darnley, managing partner said: "It is fantastic and we are chuffed.

"We are the only Michelin star restaurant in the area.

"But to win while up against other places in the country is incredible.

"We try and produce our food locally.

Pensons in Tenbury Wells (Image: Pensons)

"Winning this award, it has put this region on the map." 

A lot of the people who come here are actually local and call it a mini-break because we are in such a rural area but we have two guest bedrooms upstairs.

"But other people have travelled up to two hours to come and visit us.

Take a look around Pensons (Image: Pensons)

"We want people to have an amazing experience." 

The kitchen garden is three acres and grows a lot of seasonal produce that is used in the menu.

Chris Simpson, head chef, updates the menu according to the season. 

Pensons in Tenbury Wells (Image: Pensons)

He believes the taste of the food must be fresh in order for the diner to have the best experience.

Penson in Tenbury Wells (Image: Britt Willoughby Dyer)

Ms Darnley said: "It is permanently changing and evolving."

Britt Willoughby Dyer (Image: Britt Willoughby Dyer)

"We are really worth the road trip.

"Guests are welcome to tour the restaurant’s kitchen gardens, as well as visit Pensons’ courtyard Store that stocks handpicked and handmade artisanal homewares."

That's not all, Ms Darnley said sourcing ingredients and produce from the county is really important to them.

Garden Kitchen: Pensons in Tenbury Wells (Image: Britt Willoughby Dyer)

She said: "We believe that our hyper-local ethos shouldn’t just be limited to ingredients and collaborated with local artisans to furnish the restaurant and courtyard bedrooms.

Pensons in Tenbury Wells (Image: Britt Willoughby Dyer)

"For example, using fabric woven on the Netherwood Estate’s own mill, as well as plates and bowls made by local potters, lampshades woven from local willow, and steak knives forged by a local blacksmith."