A RESTAURANT in Sherborne has won its second Michelin Bib Gourmand Award and is set to appear in the Michelin Guide 2020.

The Green, privately owned and run by head chef Sasha Matkevich, has retained the prestigious Bib Gourmand title for the second year running, which recognises quality cooking that also delivers on value for money. Established in 1997, there are only 132 restaurants in the UK that have earned the award.

Originally from North Caucasus, Eastern Europe, Sasha emigrated to England in the mid-1990s and trained under some of the most successful chefs in London, including Philip Britten at the Capital Hotel and Stefano Cavallini at the Halkin.

Upon moving to Somerset, Sasha joined Adam Fellows at Charlton House in Shepton Mallet, before opening The Green.

He now combines local Dorset ingredients with flavours and textures from his homeland, resulting in interesting, well-balanced and flavourful dishes. Menu highlights include a vegan version of Uzbek Plov, Cornish mackerel escabeche and Zakuski, a Caucasus-inspired selection of tapas.

‘Green by name and nature’ is the ethos of The Green; not only in its use of sustainable, ethically sourced local seasonal ingredients but also with its focus on reducing food waste, with Sasha being an enthusiastic pickler, preserver and forager.

He and his team are passionate about giving diners a memorable, quality dining experience that is also great value for money. “In 2019 people are turning their backs on chain restaurants, so when they do eat out, they want a unique yet affordable dining experience,” explained Sasha.

“At The Green, we create adventurous dishes that combine ingredients and flavours diners might not have tried before, marrying influences from the Caucasus with the breadth of produce from across Dorset and the West Country.

“Being the only restaurant in Dorset to win a prestigious Bib Gourmand award again this year is real achievement for the team at The Green and proves our dedication to giving diners a Michelin standard dining experience at a great price.”

The Michelin Guide describes The Green as 'a pretty listed stone property with a 'super friendly team of staff serving Mediterranean-style dishes that are 'full of flavour. For menus, bookings and more information, visit greenrestaurant.co.uk