The Michelin Guide delivered some welcome good news for Great Britain and Ireland’s hospitality sector with the announcement of not one but two new three-star restaurants, with both kitchens run by female chefs – Hélène Darroze at The Connaught and Core by Clare Smyth in London.
Clare Smyth's cooking is all about purity and poise, and her restaurant Core in London has, in just three years, gained a reputation of excellence among the world's gastronomic elite. Hélène Darroze combines timeless elegance with daring innovation at her restaurant in The Connaught. Her talent and creativity are well known and to many, a third star for her cooking was an inevitability.
The announcement of two new three-star restaurants is historic for the Great Britain and Ireland’s hospitality industry, but to have both of them helmed by females makes it extra special. There was also three new two-stars and 17 new one-star restaurants added to the guide this year. With Great Britain and Ireland currently suffering badly due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, restaurants are struggling across the islands.
However, the resilience, inventiveness and generosity of chefs and restauranteurs has seen them step up in incredible ways to help their communities, suppliers and their staff. Their efforts were recognised by the Michelin Guide’s star revelation, as well as awards for service and sustainability that show the industry’s heroes that their efforts are deeply admired.
Before the stars were meted out, there were some alternative recognitions to announce. The first award of the night was the Michelin Guide’s Welcome and Service Award, which went to Saul McConnell of Noble Holywood in Northern Ireland, for outstanding service and attention to detail in making their customers feel welcome.
The Sommelier Award went to Karine Canavet from Maison Bleue, Bury St Edmunds. The Young Chef Award was awarded to Kray Treadwell, 670 Grams, Birmingham, who at only 30 years of age is already heading up an impressive kitchen, and demonstrates exceptional culinary skills for his relatively young age.
The Mentor Chef Award, recognising experienced chefs who share their knowledge with younger generations, went to Ross Lewis of Dublin fine-dining institution Chapter One. Twenty-three establishments were among the first restaurants to receive the Michelin Guide’s Green Star for sustainability, including Black Swan in Oldstead and Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham.
New three-star restaurants
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, London
Core by Clare Smyth, London
New two-star restaurants
A. Wong, London
Da Terra, London
Story, London
New one-star restaurants
Behind, London
Benares, London
Casa Fofò, London
Cornerstone, London
Davies and Brook, London
Muse, London
Sola, London
Osip, Bruton
Hide and Fox, Saltwood
Hjem, Wall
Outlaw’s New Road, Port Isaac
Roots, York
Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, Ripon
Latymer at Pennyhill Park, Bagshot
Pea Porridge, Bury St Edmunds
Cail Bruich, Glasgow
Dede, Baltimore, Ireland
