The area

Our charming 17th-century coaching inn with its woodburner, oak beams and comfy guest rooms is the perfect place to unwind.

Wander the lovely town with its castle, artisan shops, museums, vineyard and brewery. Stroll along the River Severn or Offa’s Dyke path (both within walking distance of the restaurant), visit the local golf course or explore the nearby Shropshire Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Andrew Birch

Moving to rural Wales fresh from working as head chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill in London was a natural step for Andrew.

After two decades working in some of the country’s finest kitchens, it was his dream to return to his Welsh roots and open his own restaurant.

Andrew began cooking as a boy in Swansea and honed his skills working for the Tanner brothers in Plymouth, two-Michelin-star Whatley Manor, Kenny Atkinson at the one-Michelin-star Tean restaurant on the Isles of Scilly, and at one-Michelin-star Montagu Arms.

He moved into the head chef role at 3AA-rosette Fishmore Hall hotel in Ludlow before becoming executive chef at five-star hotels and 3AA-rosette Lainston House and Ellenborough Park.

Andrew discovered The Checkers in 2016 while researching Welsh beef and Monty’s beer for one of his dishes on the BBC show The Great British Menu, in which he represented Wales. He was immediately impressed by the fabulous location and the wealth of high-quality produce in the area.

Rachel Birch

Rachel was previously head pastry chef for André Garrett and Fred Sireux at one-Michelin-star Galvin at Windows in London, and at the five-star Limewood hotel in the New Forest under Angela Hartnett.

While working in Wales, Rachel met (and married) Andrew, with whom she has worked alongside at the one-Michelin-star Montagu Arms in her native Hampshire and at the 3AA-rosette Fishmore Hall hotel in Ludlow.