From new Michelin stars lighting up kitchens across the country, to Birmingham claiming the crown for the UK's best bar, and dozens of brilliant coffee spots earning national recognition, it's been a seriously big few days for Britain's hospitality scene.
Michelin Guide UK & Ireland 2026: Stars Announced
The latest Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland awards were revealed in Dublin - and while there was no shake-up at the very top, it was a big year for rising talent and new entries.
Key Highlights
- 20 new One-Star restaurants were announced across the UK and Ireland, spanning everything from coastal cuisine to innovative urban kitchens
- Two restaurants earned Two Stars:
- Row on 5 in London (promoted from one star)
- Bonheur by Matt Abé in Mayfair, London (received two stars soon after opening)
- All existing Three-Star restaurants retained their top status - there were no new additions to this elite tier
- The Michelin Guide also recognised Green Stars for sustainable gastronomy and expanded its Bib Gourmand list of great value eateries
Notable first-time star winners include places such as The Pullman in Galway, FIFTY TWO in Harrogate, Ugly Butterfly in Newquay, and Maré by Rafael Cagali in Brighton & Hove - the first Michelin star in that city in almost 50 years.
Michelin remains a cornerstone of the UK dining calendar - this year's list reflects both established names and exciting new voices in British gastronomy.
Top 50 Bars in the UK 2026
The 2026 Top 50 Cocktail Bars list (compiled by industry panel and organisers of the Morning Advertiser rankings) has just dropped - and there's a new number one.
Winners & Highlights
- 1st Place: Couch - the neighbourhood bar in Birmingham's Stirchley topped the list this year, praised for its creative, film-inspired cocktails and strong team ethos.
- 2nd Place: Bar Glue (Liverpool) - named Highest Climber.
- 3rd Place: Satan's Whiskers (Bethnal Green, London) - a perennial favourite and one of the country's most celebrated cocktail spots.
- Other standout entries include The Brain Jar (Hull), Waltz (Shoreditch, London), Schofield's Bar (Manchester), Amaro Bar (Kensington) and more - showcasing a geographically diverse cocktail scene outside of London too.
This list is widely regarded in the drinks industry and reflects not just creativity but service, atmosphere and overall experience.
Best Coffee Shops in the UK 2026
A new ranking of the 44 best coffee shops in Britain has also been unveiled, celebrating the booming specialty coffee scene across the UK.
Coffee Culture Highlights
- A total of 44 cafés were recognised nationally, judged on coffee quality, barista skill, service, atmosphere and consistency.
- London led the way, with around a quarter of the winners based in the capital - including Catalyst Café, Prufrock Coffee, Calico, Curators Coffee and Carbon Kopi.
- Other cities with notable inclusions were Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff and more, showing the breadth of great coffee culture beyond London.
This list points to how vibrant independent coffee scenes have become, with spots that are now also contenders for global coffee rankings.
Image Credits: Ugly Butterfly / Couch / Ottoman Coffeehouse