Michelin’s UK and Ireland awards reflect diversity of culinary landscape

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Twenty-five restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars in Britain and Ireland, with the selection reflecting diversity across the culinary landscape from refined pub cooking to classic French technique, via Indian and west African cuisine. 

This year’s results, which mark 50 years since restaurants in the two countries were first awarded a Michelin star, were announced at Manchester’s Midland Hotel — the first in-person ceremony held outside of London.

Despite the northern locale, the ceremony was particularly fruitful for London restaurants, with The Ledbury in Notting Hill, led by chef-owner Brett Graham, the only restaurant awarded three stars this year. It joined the ranks of eight other three-star restaurants, which all maintained their status.

The Michelin Guide, owned by the French tyre company, was conceived as an aid to European motorists and launched at the turn of the 20th century. It is widely recognised as an arbiter of fine dining, with Michelin stars the world’s most influential culinary award.

Of the 18 establishments awarded one star, 11 are London-based, including Tomos Parry’s Mountain, one of the capital’s most notable openings of the past year; Aulis; Humo; Pavyllon London at the Four Seasons; 1890 at the Savoy; Dorian; Humble Chicken; and two west African restaurants, Akoko and Chishuru.

“I’m speechless, which is not what I usually am,” said Chishuru’s chef-owner Adejoké Bakare, who has become a de facto representative for west African cuisine in the UK, after picking up her trophy.

Six restaurants were given two stars, including Mayfair’s Gymkhana, which became the only Indian restaurant in the UK capital with the accolade. Chef Aktar Islam’s Opheem in Birmingham was also awarded a second star, staking a claim as one of the country’s best Indian restaurants.

“It’s incredible,” Islam said…