Page 17 - Herefoodie 25 Layout.indd
P. 17

Carriages Restaurant

                                             and The Sidings Farmshop & Cafe
                                             Whitestone, Hereford
                                             The brainchild of a well-travelled entrepreneur
                                             and set in the most unlikely location; on a
                                             trading estate, the whole combination of these
                                             two very different foodie destinations actually
                                             presents rather glamorously.
                                             Carriages is set inside a working commercial
                                             data operation, though the public diner will
                                             experience none of the business environment,
                                             enjoying an opulent entrance and welcome.
                                             With glorious balcony views of the company’s
         Michael Fowler                      landscaped grounds and lake, expect sparkling
                                             contemporary interiors, polished service,
         Simply Wild                         fine dining menus and sommelier selected
         Coleford, Forest of Dean            wines. Having now added Thursday evenings
                                             to their Friday and Saturday nights, a special
         His face and name may seem familiar as   midweek carte du jour makes for an affordable
         Michael’s talents as a chef in the region   impromptu supper out. Or simply go for early
         have elevated several restaurants to award-  evening cocktails without booking and enjoy this
         winning standards. Excitingly, in December   fashionable ambience.
         2024, he opened his own personal venture,
         Simply Wild, in the heart of Coleford, to
         a roar of rave reviews and has already
         achieved 2 AA Rosettes.
         His distinctive attention to detail for
         presentation guarantees beautifully crafted
         dishes packed with flavour from carefully
         chosen ingredients. “We’re blessed to have
         amazing local and regional producers here”
         enthused Michael, “so I can ensure authentic
         freshness and seasonality that brings each
         element of a dish to life far beyond heavy
         seasoning.”
                                             Opposite, in its own less formal open setting,
                                             The Sidings daytime café gives you indulgent
                                             brunches, cakes and afternoon teas in
                                             stylishly designed railway carriage themed
                                             surroundings. Sit inside (with pre-booking) or
                                             outside on the landscaped terrace (no booking
                                             required) admiring the kitchen garden beds.
                                             This is accompanied by a delightful farmshop
         Fine dining has always been Michael’s passion   in an adjacent carriage, stocking regional and
         and, fortunately for the discerning foodie, his   artisan products.
         menus range from 2 & 3 course set, a la carte,
         or 5 course tasting lunches, with a la carte and   Tip – Pre-Book the complimentary
         4 & 5 course tasting menu dinners.  minibus home (within 15minute drive
                                             radius) when you dine at Carriages.
         Discover more on
         simplywildrestaurant.co.uk          carriageshereford.co.uk
                                                           eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk  15
   12   13   14   15   16   17   18   19   20   21   22