The Checkers

The story

The Checkers, Montgomery: A 3AA Rosette Modern British Kitchen

The chef and his return home

The Checkers in Montgomery anchors a quietly disciplined Modern British kitchen led by chef Andrew Birch. Moving to rural Wales after two decades in London restaurants marked a deliberate shift for him. He previously cooked at Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill, Whatley Manor, and the Montagu Arms before discovering this property in 2016 while scouting local produce for a BBC television competition. His wife Rachel, formerly head pastry chef at Galvin at Windows, joined him to manage the culinary direction together.

Seasonal tasting menus and local sourcing

The dining room centers on seasonal tasting menus that shift with the Welsh borders harvest. Guests can choose from lunch or dinner formats alongside dedicated vegetarian options, all built around carefully sourced regional ingredients. The beverage program pairs these plates with an extensive selection of fine wines designed to complement the shifting daily catch and farm produce. This commitment to Modern British cuisine prioritizes ingredient integrity over theatrical presentation.

A 17th-century coaching inn and relaxed service

Oak beams and a central woodburner anchor the interior of a former coaching inn that has hosted travelers since the seventeenth century. Four ensuite guest rooms sit above the dining space, allowing visitors to extend their stay along the River Severn or Offa’s Dyke path. The three AA rosette recognition reflects a service style that remains conversational rather than formal. Diners settle into comfortable surroundings where the architecture sets a measured pace for the meal.