There must be an Angel
beyond reports on the rise of the Angel at Hetton which has just retained its second Michelin star and continues to break new ground under the leadership of Michael Wignall.
The Angel Inn at Hetton has a long and illustrious history. As the original gastropub, it has always led the way and done things a little differently and so it only seems fitting that this legendary North Yorkshire Dales establishment continues to break new ground.
The arrival of Michael Wignall in 2018 as chef patron put the tiny hamlet of Hetton firmly back on the culinary map. Michael and his wife Johanna – along with James and Josephine Wellock – took over the business and set about raising the bar, and their bold and ambitious plans have certainly taken The Angel to new, unique and very special heights.
The pub was one of two pubs to be awarded a Michelin star in the guide’s 2020 list and also rocketed up the Top 50 Gastropubs 2020 list from 50th spot in 2019 to 11th last year, making it 2020’s Highest Climber.
It has now retained its crown having been awarded a second coveted Michelin star in the 2021 Guide.
“A place where unsurpassed levels of service, outstanding food and the warmest of welcomes meet North Yorkshire’s most beautiful landscape,” shouts the Michelin website and we’re not going to argue.
Wignall delivers food that wows on every plate. His ever-evolving style creates unique dishes full of flavour, underpinned by a contemporary, less formal approach to fine cuisine. Describing his food as ‘modern, technical and meaningful’, each element brings flavour or texture, enticing diners to experience new combinations and ingredients.
There are now plans to bring a brand-new fine dining restaurant, the Cove to the mix, which will only further enhance its reputation and put the Angel on every gourmet food lover’s bucket list.
In addition to the work which will intensify The Angel’s gastronomic status as a world-class destination, the team have spent the past year updating and improving the accommodation. There are nine en-suite bedrooms which are situated next door and across the road from the main building – all of which provide a relaxing setting from which to enjoy a quite unique and exciting gastronomic experience.
