The 2014 GB & Ireland Michelin stars have just been announced, with the new guide available from 4 October 2013. While there are no changes in the 3 star category, there are two restaurants promoted from one to two Michelin stars: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, led by Head Chef Ashley Palmer-Watts, is a glorious celebration of Britain’s culinary heritage; while The Greenhouse showcases Arnaud Bignon’s technically impressive and innovative cooking.
The 15 new one stars include wilks, an unpretentious neighbourhood restaurant in Bristol, and Campagne, a contemporary Kilkenny restaurant run by a dedicated couple. In London, Lima is the first Peruvian restaurant to gain a star and highlights the increasing popularity of
South American cuisine. There are two seafood restaurants awarded one star (Angler and Outlaw’s at The Capital); two Chinese restaurants (HKK and Bo London); a star for another of Jason Atherton’s restaurants (Social Eating House); and stars for a young British chef (Story in Bermondsey) and an experienced French chef returning to the UK (Brasserie Chavot).
“We have never produced a GB & Ireland guide that provides our readers with such diversity and variety”, says Rebecca Burr, Editor. “Fantastic B&Bs,wonderful pubs, stylish hotels, world class restaurants and great value eateries – we have them all in our guide.
“In the last year we’ve seen the rise of relaxed counter dining but also the opening of some big brasseries. Dining is becoming a less structured, less formal affair and opening times and menus are more flexible to reflect the way we live our lives. Single concept restaurants focusing on one or two dishes have also continued to open.
“The Michelin guide has always reflected what’s out there and London in particular has never offered so much choice – there really is something for everyone and for every occasion and there appears to be no end to the number of exciting new restaurant openings. With cuisines and culinary influences from all parts of the globe, it’s no surprise that the capital is one of the most exciting cities in the world for food.
“We’ve seen internationally acclaimed chefs open restaurants over here but we’re also delighted to witness the rise of the next generation of talented British chefs and the continued evolution of British cooking.”