Tuddenham Mill's Sister Hotel Awarded Coveted AA Two Rosettes

Jordan Bayes, Head Chef at The Chequers Inn.

Following an incognito overnight stay in late January 2020, the AA has awarded The Chequers Inn at Thornham a fantastic two rosettes for ‘Culinary Excellence’.

Their critique of The Chequers’ food, which has undergone a transformation since Head Chef Jordan Bayes took the helm in November 2019, says: “Great to see Jordan really stamping his own mark on the dining. Menus have been completely overhauled and … have clear identity and direction … and focus on quality and provenance. … very well deserved indeed!”

Jordan initially trained at Tuddenham Mill under Lee Bye, Chef-Patron of Agellus Hotels, who says of his star protegé: “I am super proud of Jordan. He works his socks off and deserves the plaudits for his beautiful cooking. To get two rosettes this quickly in his first Head Chef role is testament to his talent and hard work.” 

Unaware of the inspector’s visit until she was leaving, Jordan himself is still shocked! And delighted that the detailed report showed how he and his team are creating consistent quality across all meals and dishes offered at The Chequers Inn. “It is a proud day in my career,” he says, understated as ever.

Alongside this accolade for food, The Chequers has comfortably held onto its three silver star small hotel status, with an AA merit score that’s 10% higher than the national average for this grade. Particular mention is made in the Inspector’s report of the warm hospitality, cleanliness, ‘strong product’ in all eleven bedrooms and the ‘wonderfully restored’ bar area.

Just like Tuddenham Mill, and our other sister property The Lifeboat Inn (also in Thornham), The Chequers Inn takes great pride in the high quality experience it brings to all its guests and visitors, and is pleased to have official recognition of this focus on excellence.