Happy Birthday!
Simon Smith looks back on 10 years of fabulous dining at the renowned restaurant that is Angels. Photography: Robin Lyndon
It is almost impossible to believe that in this, the 100th edition of Live Ribble Valley, 10 years have passed and we are celebrating a joint 10th anniversary with Angels in Ribchester!
This chic and much loved restaurant, is firmly placed as one of the go to places to dine in the Ribble Valley.
Angels is proud to have experienced and talented Chef, Simon Eastham as its gastronomic lead – he has been there from day one offering consistently high standards of inspirational cooking and under his highly skilled and innovative hand, the food at Angels has grown in stature and finesse over the years and is highly regarded as some of the best in the region.
Angels was the brainchild of Nick and Shaun Ford, they were responsible for bringing this famous old public house into a whole new world. Ten years ago the city-style design was edgy, contemporary and perhaps a little risqué!
However the end result, after much hard work and brilliant design, was the new fantastic restaurant, which is little changed today.
It is still modern, fresh and comfortable with its grand piano and fabulous interior making it an absolute delight to visit for any occasion.
In the background just as much planning went into new kitchens and bringing together a team that could make Angels special. Head Chef Simon devised menus inspired by the wonderful fresh produce available locally and using his skills, offered a menu unique to Angels. Not pub food or copying the gastro pub themes, but an offering of great quality ingredients crafted into the special dishes that are Angels trademark today.
Simon couldn’t do this all alone and he works in the kitchen with his talented son and Chef Nathan. His wife Claire, who joined the team six years ago, is the face of Angels, managing Simon, the front of house team and offering that welcome glass of something on arrival.
Claire, Simon and Nathan provide a consistent and reliable approach that is so vital in this industry. All too often a restaurant will be great one day and poor the next, but the dedication and devotion of this team really adds a special reliable family feel to Angels restaurant.
The team won the Lancashire Life Restaurant of the Year and have received many plaudits over the years – testimony to the quality of Angels, which also once again features in the 2018 Michelin Guide.
Simon and Nathan are continually looking at new trends in the industry, adapting and innovating new recipes for their clientele. Simon explains: “You can never rest in this industry, you have to adapt and change to meet the demands of your customers.”
With that in mind Simon is looking at reinventing some of his absolute classic dishes from his early days as a chef, watch out for them!
Angels also has a wonderful website and email system to keep its customers up to date with special events and offers.
It really is worth registering on there to access the online booking system, view the menus and check availability at www.angelsribchester.co.uk.
During the year Angels will continue to have the half-price midweek special menus, five delicious courses – great value!
They have numerous special evenings planned, a Bordeaux evening, live music evenings all giving clients a taste of something new plus, another reason if you need one, to try out this wonderful intimate, high quality restaurant.
If you haven’t been in the last 10 years then it really is time to find out what you have been missing, great food and hospitality in beautiful surroundings in the heart of the Ribble Valley. Happy Birthday Angels!
Angels
Angels Restaurant
Fleet Street Lane
Ribchester PR3 3ZA
www.angelsribchester.co.uk
