The Olive Tree Restaurant in Bath has become the proud recipient of Somerset’s only AA 4 Rosettes. This recognition adds to the restaurant’s Michelin star.
Only five restaurants across the UK were awarded the coveted 4 Rosettes at a glittering ceremony for the AA Hospitality Awards.
Set within the award-winning Queensberry Hotel, The Olive Tree remains Bath’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, and with this new award, becomes the only venue in Somerset to hold this sought after 4 Rosettes distinction. The AA inspectors praised the restaurant’s “highly seasonal and reliably inventive British cuisine, exquisitely presented, with every dish a delight to the eye as well as the tastebuds.”
At the helm of The Olive Tree restaurant is Executive Head Chef, Chris Cleghorn, who has been with the Queensberry team for over a decade. His talent and leadership were recognised early on when the restaurant earned its first 3 AA Rosettes just nine months after his arrival. In 2018, Cleghorn led The Olive Tree to its first Michelin star, and his latest achievement solidifies the restaurant’s impressive reputation in the region.
Reflecting on the award, Cleghorn expressed his gratitude and pride: “I was speechless when we received the news. The entire industry is tough right now, so this is a major boost for me and my incredible team. We are committed not just to retaining our honours but to continually pushing the boundaries of culinary excellence.”
He added, “This recognition belongs to every member of our team, and it reflects the ambition, passion, and consistency we bring to our work every day.”
The Olive Tree’s inclusion in the 4 Rosettes club places it among an elite group of restaurants where cooking demands national recognition. This accolade is reserved for those exhibiting exceptional technical skills, creativity, and a commitment to excellence.
The restaurant’s co-founder, Laurence Beere, praised Cleghorn’s dedication: “Chris has consistently refined his craft over the past decade, elevating our restaurant to the highest levels of acclaim. We’re immensely proud of this achievement, and of Chris’s ongoing impact on the industry.”
In addition to his role at The Olive Tree, Cleghorn is known for his commitment to fostering work-life balance and developing internal talent within the kitchen – a rare achievement in high-pressure environments.
The full list of winners can be found here.
