The Cross

The story

The Cross Kenilworth Coventry: Michelin-Starred Dining in a Traditional Pub

The Cross: Michelin-Starred Dining in a Historic Kenilworth Pub

For nearly 14 years, The Cross has held a Michelin Star, yet the atmosphere remains refreshingly unstuffy. Set in a traditional pub in the historic town of Kenilworth, this is a place where elevated pub classics and dishes inspired by international cuisines sit comfortably alongside a pint or a cocktail in the cosy bar.

The kitchen is led by chef director Adam Bennett, whose team sources the best quality ingredients, with a strong emphasis on provenance. Local produce comes from Mill Piece Gardens, while meat is supplied by award-winning Warwickshire butchers Aubrey Allen, who also serve the Royal Household. The famous sourdough bread is made to the restaurant’s own carefully developed recipe.

The menu reflects this commitment to quality. A sample from the Pub Classics menu might include a starter of crispy cod cheeks with pickled cucumber and herb salad, followed by slow-cooked Wiltshire pork belly with salt and vinegar scratchings, or pan-fried chalk stream trout with almonds and brown butter sauce. The Surprise Tasting Menu, curated by chef director Bennett, offers six courses that showcase the best of the season’s produce, from smoked ham broth to pan-fried fillet of monkfish.

The set menus are among the most affordable Michelin-starred meals in the UK, starting from £38.50 for two courses. In summer, the sunny terrace opens for drinks and al fresco dining. The wine list has been recently refreshed to offer more accessible options, including competitively priced house wines from Burgundy.

Service is described as warm, friendly, and professional. The goal is a relaxing culinary experience from the moment you walk through the door. This is British contemporary cooking at its most accessible, served with a smile.