A restaurant just outside Newbury has been included within the prestigious Michelin Guide for the first time.
The 125-year-old guide commends accomplished eateries, and the Damson Restaurant in Winterbourne has been included in its 2025 edition.
Damson opened in September 2023 in the premises of the former Winterbourne Arms pub and is the brainchild of chef Henry Kremer-Ireson, previously of Newbury restaurant Henry & Joe’s.
Damson Restaurant, Winterbourne
The Michelin Guide describes the Damson thus: “Formerly known as The Winterbourne Arms, this smartly refitted former pub is now home to a quite formal yet intimate restaurant.
“Guests are spread over several rooms, enlivened by splashes of colour, while the open kitchen lets you glimpse the team at work.
“The menus range from a well-priced lunch offering and an à la carte to a seasonal tasting menu and a Sunday roast, where the meat changes each week.
Salt baked celeriac, Sauternes raisons, date, truffle at Damson Restaurant, Winterbourne
“Whatever you order, ensure you finish with a coffee and warm madeleines straight from the oven.”
Mr Kremer-Ireson stated he was proud to be included in the guide for 2025.
He said: “It is a fantastic achievement and we are very proud of all the effort the team has put in to make this restaurant what it is and what it will be in the future.”
Chef Henry Kremer-Ireson (left)
Despite the happiness he felt with the accolade, the chef said he “didn’t care” about Damson receiving a coveted Michelin star.
He added: “Of course it would be an amazing thing to be able to say you have achieved as a restaurant, but I think our number one priority though is our guests and their experience here.
Soused mackerel and parfait tartlet, ash baked beetroot, buttermilk and burnt apple at Damson Restaurant, Winterbourne
“If something like that comes, then fantastic. We certainly wouldn’t turn it away, but at the same time we want to make sure our customers are happy and we concentrate on that.”
Damson Restaurant is open for dinner service Thursday to Saturday and lunch service Friday to Sunday.
Read our review of Damson here.