Mum's 80th - need help choosing fancy restaurant!

[Eboblah]

My mum loves Masterchef so decided we would take her to a very nice restaurant for her 80th birthday but not sure where to start. Ideally looking for somewhere in the home counties but not central London, somewhere Michelin starred (but not too stuffy/intimidating) and/or that does an exciting tasting menu, be good if we could stay the night there or nearby. Looking for a bit of the wow factor as opposed to just very good food. Was looking at the Tom Kerridge restaurants but while I'm sure the food is amazing not sure it looks that 'exciting' but if you've been please feel free to tell me I'm wrong.

I haven't been to Le Manoir but my parents have and they still rave about it.

Another vote for Le Manoir. I am 75 and a bit of a foodie and I think your mum would love it. We have been there for special birthday lunches three times and each time the food was wonderful. The staff are so lovely and not at all stuffy. If you go in the summer and get good weather you can have your coffee and petit fours in the glorious garden. We have been to five or six Michelin starred restaurants and Le Manoir was by far the best.

They're maybe a bit far but L'Enclume and Moor Hall are absolutely fabulous, The Black Swan in Oldstead is brilliant as well, one of the best breakfasts I've ever had the morning after as well!

Or The Fordwich Arms - you can stay at The Pig which is close by and has beautiful rooms.

Or, a different approach... a weekend away somewhere new. A pub at lunch and dinner at your hotel. If you fancy Devon, then the Cornish Arms in Tavistock is good with a Michelin BiB, and stay at Endsleigh which is so smart that they don't deign to bother with stars, although the menu is very good value, for excellent food.