Who’d have thought that a 1920s campaign to sell tyres would turn into one of the most illustrious accolades a restaurant can get, eh? Obviously, we’re talking about Michelin stars.
And it’s that time of year again when the coveted culinary honour is dished out to a new set of restaurants. This year’s Michelin Guide UK and Ireland ceremony was held at Manchester’s Midland hotel and saw 21 British establishments gain new stars. Whether you buy into the whole thing or not, you can’t deny that restaurants benefit big-time from the clout that comes with the Michelin label.
Unsurprisingly, London restaurants absolutely dominated the evening, with The Ledbury in Notting Hill being the only place to be newly awarded three stars. It joined the exclusive list of just eight fine dining venues across the UK and Ireland with the top commendation. You can find out more about all the newly-minted Michelin starred restaurants in the capital here.
Five British spots, including Opheem in Birmingham and The Glenturret Lalique in Crieff, Scotland earned themselves two stars. Another 15 UK restaurants were awarded a star for the very first time – all of which were based in England. No stars were handed to Welsh or Northern Irish eateries, though Annwn in Pembrokeshire and The Whitebrook Inn in Monmouthshire were both among the night’s Michelin green star recipients for their high ethical and environmental standards.
This year’s ceremony also marked 50 years of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland. Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, said: ‘This is much more than just a symbolic milestone. It is for all of us at the Michelin Guide a tremendous source of joy and pride.
‘I hope that the next 50 years are as full of brilliant discoveries and experiences as the first 50. With the passing of this anniversary, the guide enters its second half century, which looks very exciting for British and Irish gastronomy.’
Here’s the full list of British restaurants that gained coveted stars this year:
New UK restaurants with three Michelin stars
The Ledbury, London, England
New UK restaurants with two Michelin stars
Gymkhana, London, England
Brooklands, London, England
Trivet, London, England
Opheem, Birmingham, England
The Glenturret Lalique, Crieff, Scotland
New UK restaurants with one Michelin star
Myse, Hoverington, England
Mountain, London, England
1980 by Gordon Ramsay at the Savoy Hotel, London, England
Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai, Brampton, England
Pavyllon London, London, England
Dorian, London, England
Humo, London, England
Crocadon, St Mellion, England
Akoko, London, England
Lake Road Kitchen, Ambleside, England
Sushi Kanesaka, London, England
Humble Chicken, London, England
Ormer Mayfair, London, England
Aulis, London, England
Chishuru, London, England
More Michelin with Time Out
In case you missed it, a bunch of other restaurants were recognised last week in Michelin’s Bib Gourmand awards. You can read all about those here as well as the most recent additions to the Michelin Guide. And the Michelin content doesn’t stop there. At Time Out we’ve got the full list of London restaurants belonging to the exclusive club here and a deep dive into how this quiet English county has managed to collect so many of the distinguished stars.
Did you see that this Somerset restaurant was named one of the best in the world?
Plus: the world’s best stargazing spot is apparently right here in the UK.
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