From humble beginnings to a globally-revered indicator of gastronomic quality, the Michelin Guide has become an absolute powerhouse in the food world. Originally a guide for motorists (because, yes, it is the same ‘Michelin’ as the tyre manufacturer), it’s now the ultimate foodie guide – for those who can afford it. And at a ceremony last night (February 10), at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum in Glasgow, several London restaurants were invited into the fold as the guide awarded new Michelin stars.
The ceremony covered restaurants in Great Britain and Ireland, with a total of 26 new restaurants receiving new Michelin stars. Only one restaurant was recognised with three Michelin stars this year: Lancashire’s Moor Hall. And while London may have just missed out on three-star territory, we did pretty well otherwise! 12 of the newly-starred restaurants can be found in London.
Credit: @michelinguide, via IG
Two London restaurants were awarded two Michelin stars, and ten were recognised with one Michelin star. In total, the guide now comprises 220 Michelin-starred restaurants across Great Britain and Ireland.
The ceremony marked some historic new entrances into the Michelin guide for London. London is now home to the “first-ever fully plant-based restaurant in the UK or Ireland to receive a MICHELIN Star”. That recognition went to Plates London, which has gone from strength to strength in the past couple few years. London’s OMA also earned a Michelin star, making it “the UK’s first-ever One-Star Greek restaurant“.
London’s new Michelin Stars
The following London restaurants either joined the fold or were awarded more Michelin stars, at this year’s ceremony. A few of the restaurants that were awarded their first star only opened this year!
New Two Michelin Star Restaurants
- Humble ChickenSoho
- Humble Chicken only received its first Michelin star 12 months ago at last year’s ceremony!
- The Ritz RestaurantMayfair
- The Michelin Guide recognised the Ritz Restaurant as having “one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the country”.
Credit: @theritzlondon, via IG
New One Michelin Star Restaurants
- 64 Goodge StreetFitzrovia
- AnglothaiMarylebone
- CharacterNotting Hill
- HornBelgravia
- DOSAMayfair
- LitaMarylebone
- Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at the OWOWhitehall
- TheirBorough
- Plates LondonShoreditch
- Row on 5Mayfair
And while the ceremony recognises new Michelin stars, it’s hard to ignore the absences on the list. Three restaurants were removed from the list because they sadly closed down: Cornerstone, Locanda Locatelli, and Pollen Street Social. Two restaurants, meanwhile, lost their star: City Social and Kai.
After the ceremony and the new stars, London is now home to a mind-boggling 85 Michelin-starred restaurants.
