Michelin inspectors visit restaurants throughout Great Britain acting as ordinary, anonymous customers always paying for the privilege. They then evaluate each and every dish they enjoy on five criteria: the quality of the produce, the personality of the cuisine, culinary expertise and flavour, value for money and consistency. The best restaurants are then awarded a Bib Gourmand or Michelin Stars, which are given only for the quality of the food and are always awarded by the group of inspectors as a whole. Comfort and service are scored separately. Twenty new Michelin-Starred restaurants were unveiled at the first-ever live launch of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland this morning.
The 2017 edition of the guide includes a new Two Michelin Star restaurant: Raby Hunt at Summerhouse, near Darlington, where self-taught chef James Close cooks unfussy, modern dishes.
Eighteen new One Michelin Star establishments were revealed, including two pubs: The Wild Rabbit in Oxfordshire with Tim Allen in the kitchen; and the Crown at Burchetts Green in Berkshire, run by Simon Bonwick and his family.
The Lake District has two new Michelin Stars: Forest Side and Gilpin Hotel, while Dublin has another Michelin Star in Heron & Grey.
In Wales, Sosban & The Old Butchers in Anglesey has gained a Michelin Star, as has James Sommerin in Penarth.
Rebecca Burr, Editor of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2017, said: “London’s great variety of establishments, its history, but also its dynamism and vitality are illuminated by the capital’s new Michelin Stars.
“The Ritz Restaurant and Veeraswamy, London’s oldest Indian restaurant, both receive One Michelin Star. These establishments have long and illustrious histories, but the cooking at both has never been better than it is today.
“There have been some excellent additions to the guide across both Great Britain and Ireland – restaurants that are producing consistently good food using excellent ingredients.”
Newcomers to the London dining scene awarded a Michelin Star include Ellory and The Ninth.
Establishments which have retained their Michelin Stars under new chefs include Gary Foulkes at Angler, Tom Brown at Outlaws at the Capital Hotel and Robert Potter at Bybrook Restaurant at the Manor House Hotel.
Special congratulations were given to Michael Wignall, who made a very successful move from Surrey to Devon and retained the Two Michelin Stars at Gidleigh Park.
Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck returns to the guide with Three Michelin Stars. The restaurant offers a truly memorable and visceral multi-sensory experience which is informed by a clever narrative.
Rebecca Burr said: “Our inspectors had many meals here during the course of the year and found the restaurant invigorated, rejuvenated and unquestionably worthy of being re-awarded our highest accolade.”
This edition of the guide also marks the 20th anniversary of the Bib Gourmand – Michelin’s award for good value, good quality cooking. This year the guide includes more than 140 ‘Bibs’, of which 24 are new.
Full details of the 2017 stars are below, H&C News would like to congratulate all the restaurants awarded this accolade and recognise the teams behind them.