She was one of Britain’s first female chefs to win a Michelin star. Now, Frances Atkins could be in the running for the prestigious accolade again.
Paradise Cafe at Daleside Nurseries, in Killinghall, has been chosen as one of six of the inspectors’ favourite new additions to appear in the Michelin Guide this month.
This means the lakeside restaurant, which only opened its doors in April, could now be up for a Michelin star or Bib Gourmand.
Ms Atkins said:
“As a new business, we are delighted.
“It doesn’t make any difference in terms of what we offer. We will continue to to do what we do, which is to use fresh foods we produce ourselves, grown here at Daleside.”
A scallops dish.
Ms Atkins held a coveted star for 16 of the 23 years she was chef-patron of The Yorke Arms at Ramsgill in Nidderdale. Although she sold the business in 2017, she continued to work for its new owner until 2020, when it closed as a restaurant as a result of the pandemic.
With two long-term Yorke Arms colleagues, John Tullett, general manager and front of house, and head chef Roger Olive, she bought a silver Airstream caravan and parked it at Daleside.
The Paradise Cafe Airstream caravan.
From here, the trio served began serving food on disposable bamboo plates for 18 months, before moving into the long-planned 80-seat cafe.
The Michelin Guide entry says:
“It may be a garden centre café, but this is not just any old garden centre café: it’s located in a separate building for a start – a spacious and smart modern space with a jewel of a terrace overlooking a lake.
“And then there’s the food: a frequently changing, seasonal menu bursting with delightful dishes which are fresh, unfussy and full of flavour.
“Come for coffee and cake, breakfast, brunch or lunch; there’s plenty for vegetarians and vegans – and a chef’s table if you’d like to watch and chat to the chefs as they work. Do book ahead, as the aptly named café is likely to be busy.”
Paradise Cafe is open Tuesday until Sunday, from 10am until 4pm.
Dinner is available on Friday evenings from 7pm.
Read more:
- Sneak Peak: Paradise arrives in Killinghall
- Michelin-starred chef’s new cafe to open at Killinghall nursery this month
