Marcus Wareing recently took to social media to announce that this Christmas will be his last at The Berkeley Hotel, home to his Michelin-starred restaurant, Marcus. After 20 years at the helm of one of the capital’s most prestigious fine dining restaurants, he is ready for a change. “This Christmas is the end of the Berkeley for me,” he says. “I’ve got a job to do, but it’s the last one for me.” He emphasizes that the move is more about celebration than emotion, stating, “It’s an opportunity for new projects on the horizon.”
Christmas: A Time for Food and Family
As the festive season approaches, Wareing has a new show titled Marcus Wareing at Christmas, aimed at making the holidays less stressful. He acknowledges that Christmas can be overwhelming and insists that the focus should be on great, simple, family food. “I want to help people achieve their goals rather than making it complicated because it can be very overwhelming,” he says. Moreover, he encourages planning ahead and preparing in advance to avoid excessive stress.
Top Restaurant Picks for a Festive Experience
Below, Marcus shares his five favourite restaurants, ideal choices for those wanting to dine out during the festive season:
Bistro Vérité
Bistro Vérité is a charming eatery in Southport, started by Marc and Michaela Vérité. This delightful French bistro serves beautifully cooked food in a town that isn’t typically known for its culinary scene. It’s a local favourite for families looking for unpretentious yet delicious meals.
Moor Hall
Moor Hall, located about 40 minutes from Liverpool, is helmed by the talented Mark Birchall. Renowned for its produce-led menu, the restaurant offers a memorable dining experience in an iconic setting. It’s an excellent choice for a festive gathering.
Gravetye Manor
Owned by George Blogg, Gravetye Manor is known for its superb garden and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared dishes made with seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a festive meal.
Woven by Adam Smith at Cowath Park
Cowath Park presents a Michelin-starred dining experience with innovative cuisine by Adam Smith. The modern, inventive dishes are prepared with meticulous attention to detail, making it a fabulous choice for special occasions.
The Angel at Hetton
The Angel features chef patron Michael Wignall, renowned for his down-to-earth approach to fine dining. Set in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, this destination restaurant emphasizes seasonal ingredients and exceptional culinary skills.
Marcus Wareing At Christmas premieres at 7pm on Monday 4th December on Food Network, and is available to stream on discovery+.
