The first-ever virtual launch of The Michelin guide for Great Britain & Ireland brought two new three-star restaurants while three were upgraded from one star to two. In all there were 17 new one-star restaurants while 16 received bib Gourmand awards, recognising restaurants deemed to be good value for money.
With new host, TV presenter Davina McCall, running events from London and Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, joining from Paris, chefs made online appearances to receive the news.
Promoting hospitality
It was a joyful occasion for chefs and restaurateurs who continue to deal with extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
“This has been a hugely challenging period for the hospitality industry and our thoughts remain with all those who have suffered from the pandemic and by the restrictions that have been put in place,” said Poullennec.
“We were heartened by the number of chefs who called us during the year to ensure we were still going ahead with the Guide and our yearly awards. The Michelin Guide is about so much more than recognising those at the top of their profession; it is about promoting the hospitality industry as a whole and we want to shine a light on the hard work, tenacity and commitment of chefs and restaurant teams.”
Star elevations for London
The British capital featured heavily in the star announcements. Core by Clare Smyth, the first solo project from the former Gordon Ramsay chef, received two stars as a new entry in The 2019 Michelin Guide and was elevated to three stars in the 2021 guide. After receiving the news on live video link, Smyth shared her joy on social media. “Thank for you to the Michelin Guide for recognising our hard work particularly during such a tough time,” she wrote on Instagram. “We couldn’t have done it without our amazing farmers and suppliers, our guests and everyone who has then on the journey with us.”
Helen Darroze at The Connaught also went from two to three stars, while three London restaurants celebrated their new two-star status: A. Wong, the first Chinese restaurant in the UK to receive two stars; Tom Sellers’ Restaurant Story, and Da Terra, which was recognised for its unique take on Latin American and Italian fusion fine dining.
Commitment to sustainable gastronomy
The night also saw the introduction of the Michelin Green Star distinction, which highlights restaurants that are leaders in sustainability.
“Launching a brand new distinction dedicated to sustainable gastronomy shows that our recognition of restaurants goes beyond the search for the best cooking. It enables us to also turn the spotlight on those with a great sense of responsibility towards the environment,” concluded Poullennec.
Full list of star announcements in Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2021
Three stars
Helene Darozze at The Connaught, London
Core by Clare Smyth, London
Two stars
Wong, London
Da Terra, London
Story, London
One star
Osip, Bruton
Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, Ripon
Dede, Baltimore
Muse by Tom Aikens, Blegravia
Latymer at Pennyhill Park, Bagshot
Hide & Fox, Saltwood
Behind, London
Cail Bruich, Glasgow
Roots, York
Hjem, Northumberland
Cornerstone, London
Davies & Brook, London
Outlaw’s New Road, Port Isaac
Benares, London
Casa Fofo, London
Pea Porridge, Bury St Edmonds
SOLA, London
