Pea Porridge in Bury St Edmunds was presented with its first Michelin Star in 2021, a decade after it was given the Michelin Bib Gourmand award. It was revealed that the town centre restaurant had retained its one star when the Michelin Guide 2023 was released in March. “It’s like the culinary Oscars,” said owner Justin Sharp, 46. “Retaining our Michelin Star for a second time is definitely something for our team to be proud of.” Holding the only Michelin Star in Suffolk, Mr Sharp added: “Not only is it a fantastic personal achievement, but it’s also good for both Bury St Edmunds and wider Suffolk. “We wear it with pride.”
On Friday, Pea Porridge was presented with a Michelin plaque to mark the achievement. First opened in 2009 by Mr Sharp and his wife Jurga, the Pea Porridge name is a nod to the old town green which was once located in front of it. The restaurant regularly varies its menu, taking inspiration from North African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences.
It hasn’t, however, abandoned its Suffolk roots, with Mr Sharp and the team striving to champion local suppliers by utilising their ingredients wherever they can. Late last year, Pea Porridge received a specially-commissioned watercolour house portrait from Andrew Whitehouse.
The artist, who has recently retired from the NHS, chooses architecturally quirky, interesting and unusual buildings to paint and the artwork now hangs inside one of the restaurant’s three dining rooms for the enjoyment of customers and staff alike.
About Pea Porridge
Pea Porridge opened its doors in October 2009 and is an independently owned neighbourhood restaurant, located on a square, which was once a green, called “Pea Porridge Green”. The green is gone long ago, but we have borrowed its name for our restaurant; situated in the historic market town of Bury St Edmunds, barely five minute walk from Butter Market (market is still held every Wednesday and Saturday). Find us tucked away in a quiet residential area next door to Old Cannon Brewery on Cannon Street.
Originally two cottages build in 1820, later hosted a bakery. Restaurant now comprises three charming and delightfully unpretentious dining rooms with rustic tables, exposed brick work and its unique feature- original baker’s oven. It has a cosy, homely, laid back ambiance.
As big food and drink lovers, very much hands on owners Justin Sharp (head chef) and his wife Jurga (front-of-house), like to keep things lively, fresh and exciting.