L'Ortolan is a gourmetrestaurant in the village of Shinfield, 6 km (4 mi) south of the centre of Reading, Berkshire, England. It is located in the village's old vicarage building, which is a Grade-II listed building. Originally a three-story structure, the building endured substantial fire damage during World War II, resulting in the loss of its top floor.[2]
The restaurant's origins can be traced back to its opening by chef Richard Sandford in 1984[3] when it was known as Milton Sandford. It was then purchased by Nico Ladenis, who left the restaurant he renamed as Chez Nico, less than a year later in 1986. A few months later, John Burton-Race opened the restaurant, calling it L'Ortolan.[2]
Run by John Burton-Race for 13 years, the restaurant was purchased by Peter Newman in 2000, who appointed Alan Murchison as head chef.[4]
Murchison left the restaurant in 2003, and Daniel Galmiche took over for a year. Alan Murchison returned in 2004 as executive head chef with the option to buy the restaurant.[5] Murchison left in 2014,[6] and Peter Newman took over the running of the restaurant. The current head chef is James Greatorex.[7]
The restaurant held a Michelin Star from 2001 until 2022 when the award was rescinded.
The restaurant has three AA rosettes as of June 2023.[8]
(Michelin Guide 2020)[1]
