Michelin-starred Marc Wilkinson reveals his restaurant Fraiche return

Alex South

Alex South

Editor

Michelin-starred chef Marc Wilkinson has announced he will be moving his one michelin star Fraiche restaurant from Birkenhead to a new location in Shropshire.

It comes after Marc confirmed he would be winding down the restaurant last year to focus on other projects.

As stands, Fraiche’s new Shropshire location is yet to be revealed, however it is expected to be nestled in the county’s “stunning countryside”, according to post on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Commenting on the move, Marc via social media said: “Fraiche is indeed on the move and I leave Oxton filled with many memories and pride of what I have achieved so far with Fraiche not forgetting the wonderful people I have met along the way.”

“A huge thank you to all who have supported the restaurant and hope some of you venture down to try the new environment this summer. Bookings will be released on the 1st of June on our new website at Fraiche,” he added.

The news of Fraiche’s relocation comes days after chef Andrew Sheridan announced he would be taking up the restaurant’s former venue in Oxton, Birkenhead for the opening his new Restaurant OXA; an upmarket neighbourhood restaurant that will serve seasonal British produce.

Bookings for Marc’s Fraiche’s relocation will be released from 1 June, with the new venue expected to open over the summer.

Describing the menu and what diners can expect in more detail, Marc said: “The menu style will continue at the same high standards, the chef and of course octopus and the moon will be reassuringly familiar to you and unfortunately you will still have to suffer Prince on the playlist.”

Fraiche was described by the Michelin guide as a "unique and intimate place", with Marc's dishes creditted as being "delicate and flavour-filled" with "a playful edge".

Shropshire is currently home to eight restaurants listed in the Michelin guide, four of which are in Ludlow.

Marc's Background

Marc has been working in kitchens since he was 15 years old and actually asked to be taken to a Michelin star restaurant as his 18th birthday present.

His first job as a chef was in a French restaurant in Yorkshire after graduating from catering college.

He then moved on to Arkle, a Michelin-starred restaurant at The Chester Grosvenor where he spent two years improving his skills.

After a brief period at Winteringham Fields in Lincolnshire, while it had two stars, he decided to go travelling. Spending a year working in Canada, at the five-star Relais and Chateaux hotel.

On his return to the UK, he took up a number of prestigious roles which included being the Head Chef at the Mirabelle in Eastbourne's Grand Hotel and also head chef at Latymer restaurant at Pennyhill Park Hotel, in Surrey.

Then in 2004, he opened Fraiche which gained a Michelin star in 2009.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Fraiche (@marcatfraiche)

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Alex South

Alex South

Editor 20th April 2023

Michelin-starred Marc Wilkinson reveals his restaurant Fraiche return