North Staffordshire restaurant retains three AA Rosettes - the expert verdictIt's been hailed as 'modern dining next to the water'View Image Thom Bateman inside The Flintlock, in CheddletonA North Staffordshire restaurant has retained its three coveted AA Rosettes. Two other Staffordshire restaurants - The Boat and Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, both in Lichfield - also retained its three Rosettes. ‌To be awarded three Rosettes, a restaurant must achieve 'culinary standards that demand national recognition well beyond their local area'. ‌In its overview of the restaurant, AA states: "Overlooking the adjacent Caldon Canal, The Flintlock at Cheddleton boasts a large terrace and window tables with views of the lock. After attending catering college and becoming head chef at the family-run restaurant, Thom left the profession aged 23 after "getting a bit disillusioned with hospitality".