von Essen hotels’ has retained 3 of its Michelin Stars this January. Ynyshir Hall in Powys, Wales, celebrates along with two of its sister properties located in the Lake District - The Samling and Sharrow Bay – who have also retained their stars and thus, inclusion in the 2011 guide. The luxury hotels are owned by von Essen hotels, which boasts the most Michelin starred properties of any group in the UK.

Under the guidance of the precocious talent of Head Chef, Shane Hughes, Ynyshir Hall is one of the leading names in Wales. Shane’s unique style is what has given him the nickname of ‘wild chef’ – he forages for much of his produce in the woodlands and gardens around Ynyshir Hall and sources all meat from the valleys surrounding the property. Shane even leads foraging excursions for guests!

It is the second consecutive year that The Samling, located on the beautiful Lake Windermere, has retained its Michelin star and for Sharrow Bay, situated on the shore of Lake Ullswater, this accolade marks the 15th consecutive year of Michelin Star status; an enviable record of consistency held since 1996 and matched only by a handful of properties in the UK.

Both Sharrow Bay’s Head Chef, Mark Teasdale and Head Chef at The Samling, Nigel Mendham, share the common food philosophy of using the finest local ingredients, cooked to perfection and served in restaurants with the most magnificent lake views. The two Michelin starred experiences cater to different tastes within different settings but both offer superior service and quality dining; Sharrow Bay serves guests with a classic British dining experience in a formal setting whereas The Samling offers classical flavours with a contemporary flair in a more relaxed environment.  Both Lake District properties hold half of the Michelin stars awarded or retained in the Lake District.

von Essen hotels’ Executive Chef, James Parkinson, commented; “This is such an exceptional achievement for von Essen hotels and the teams at each property are delighted to once again receive these prestigious accolades. It is testament to the hard work and consistent efforts of our dedicated kitchen and front-of-house staff that has led to the recognition by Michelin of the quality and consistency of von Essen dining, meal after meal, year after year. Guests can rest assured that we won’t get complacent and that we are already striving towards retaining (and adding to!) those stars in 2012. All three hotel teams as well as those across the von Essen hotel collection, will continue their focus to meet and exceed guest expectation day after day. ”

von Essen hotels’ Lower Slaughter Manor in Gloucestershire is also celebrating an important dining-related accolade having recently won 3 AA Rosettes for its Sixteen58 restaurant under the supervision of Head Chef Stuart Ralston.