Farndon’s Finest: Restaurant 209 Celebrated for Gastronomy and Green Credentials! #Blog

Victoria Hayes
11th April 2025

Here at Taste Cheshire, we’re always on the lookout for culinary gems that not only tantalize the taste buds but also champion local values and sustainable practices. This week, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Restaurant 209 in the charming village of Farndon, which has just received prestigious recognition from the 360° Eat Guide.

This isn’t just another restaurant guide. The 360° Eat Guide goes beyond the plate, meticulously evaluating establishments on their culinary mastery alongside their commitment to social, environmental, and economic sustainability. Restaurant 209 has truly impressed, scoring an impressive 76-80 points for gastronomy and earning two sustainability circles, placing them amongst the nation’s leading lights in conscious, world-class dining.

The judges’ comments speak volumes about what makes Restaurant 209 so special: “The friendly neighbourhood bistro serves food and wine that is almost exclusively local. The menu is small but perfectly formed around a zero-waste philosophy. Herbs and vegetables thrive in the in-house garden and greenhouse, while the staff is encouraged to do the same – thriving, that is.”

Co-owner Anna Roseblade Shore expressed the team’s delight: “We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised by the 360° Eat Guide. To receive a gastronomic score matching some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants while also being acknowledged for our sustainability ethos is an incredible validation of what we set out to do: to create a restaurant which is grounded in community, care, and craft.”

Restaurant 209 offers a unique and intimate dining experience. Their 26-cover, single-sitting dining room encourages guests to relax and savour their evening in a calm and friendly atmosphere where conversation, community spirit, and local pride are at the heart of every meal. 

Owners Anna and Head Chef (and husband) Felix Shore are deeply passionate about supporting the local economy, sourcing produce within a 30–50 mile radius whenever possible. They work directly with local farmers, growers, and a trusted village butcher to champion the best of British, seasonal ingredients. Their pioneering approach to sustainability includes nose-to-tail butchery in-house, ensuring that no part of the animal is wasted.

Seasonality dictates every menu decision, from preserving local harvests to crafting house-made condiments. Their commitment to local sourcing is almost absolute, with the exception of their fish, which is sourced from Scotland via a trusted fisherman.

Felix shared his pride in the team’s efforts: “We work really hard alongside our staff to be environmentally conscious at every opportunity so after all of that hard work since we opened in September, it’s amazing to get this recognition.”

Pär Bergkvist, founder of 360°Eat Guide, highlights the growing importance of sustainability in the dining world: “Diners now seek out establishments committed to these values. We have the right to demand more, and we are beginning to exercise that right!”

And that’s not all the exciting news from Restaurant 209! We’re thrilled to announce that Felix Shore will be showcasing his culinary talents with a chef demo at the Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Festival on Easter Monday! This is a fantastic opportunity to witness his passion for local and sustainable ingredients firsthand and get a taste of the magic that makes Restaurant 209 so special.

Congratulations to Anna, Felix, and the entire team at Restaurant 209 on this well-deserved accreditation. They are a shining example of how exceptional gastronomy and a deep commitment to sustainability can go hand-in-hand, right here in the heart of Cheshire.

To read their full entry in the 360 Eat Guide, click here: https://360eatguide.com/restaurants/209-restaurant/

Make sure to catch Felix’s demo at the Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Festival this Easter Monday – you won’t want to miss it!