One of Berkshire’s top restaurants may be about to see some changes, according to plans submitted to Wokingham Borough Council – but diners can still expect to enjoy a three AA-rosette experience.
L’Ortolan in Shinfield is currently for sale for offers in the region of £1.25 million. A planning application for a change of use for the Grade II listed property back to residential was submitted earlier this week by its owner, Peter Newman.
Documents supporting the application said: “The setting for the property has substantially changed due to the expansion of Shinfield, and has lessened its suitability as a rural high-end restaurant since it is now overlooked by high density housing.
“A reduction in the standard of the restaurant is not of net benefit to the property, and an increase in the number of covers may be harmful if not done with care since the pressure on the building may increase.
“The conversion into a single residential dwelling is more likely to result in high quality investment into the historic fabric, and therefore is a logical proposal for consideration.”
“The site was once within a rural setting, however the village of Shinfield has been subject to substantial housing growth over recent years and the site is now surrounded on three sides by two-storey residential housing.”
The property was built in the 1840s as the vicarage for the nearby St Mary’s Church. It has been a restaurant since 1978.
Currently focusing on modern French fine dining, the restaurant held a coveted Michelin Star from 2001 until 2022. It currently boasts three AA rosettes.
Owner Peter Newman told Wokingham Today: “We have no plans to cease trading”.
