Perhaps the most prestigious accolade in the culinary sphere, the Michelin Star guide, has been influencing the world since 1889. Brothers Andrew and Edouard Michelin, founders of the Michelin tyre company, created a guide explaining how to change a tyre, where to find a petrol station, as well as where to stay and what to eat, which has now become the embodiment of culinary prowess.
Releasing the guide, they were aiming to increase how much people drive, so therefore how often they would need to replace their tyres, boosting their sales. With Kitchen by Liquid having roots in PR and Marketing – we have to say that we love this origin story!
So, who was awarded the highly coveted three stars? Which restaurants earned a star for the first time? And who in our home region, the West Midlands, attained the accolade?
3 stars
With no new restaurants making the list for the highest honour and no establishments losing the title, the list of eight remained the same as last year. Five of the restaurants are found in London, two in Bray, the Fat Duck and the Waterside Inn, while the eighth restaurant, L’Enclume, is in Cartmel.
Opened in 1972 by the late brothers Michel and Albert Roux, the Waterside Inn, in Bray, is the longest-standing Starred restaurant in the UK.
First time stars
Twenty restaurants achieved one star for the first time while three restaurants were awards two stars for the first time. Receiving two stars were Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal and The Ledbury, both in London.
As the only restaurant outside of London to receive two stars for the first time in 2023 is dede in Baltimore, Co. Cork. Not only has Chef Ahmet Dede given his name to the restaurant, he has imbued his Turkish culture and heritage into the menu offering authentic, yet creative dishes prepared by a team of nine chefs, who are all also from Turkey.
Stars in the West Midlands
We’re incredibly proud of our home region to be able to say that six restaurants across the West Midlands have been awarded one Michelin star, with five Birmingham restaurants maintaining their stars from last year!
The sixth restaurant, receiving their star for the first time this year, is Grace and Savour in Hampton in Arden. Starring seasonal dishes that feature the highest quality ingredients, the menu can be enjoyed while guests admire Grace and Savour’s restored kitchen garden.
Those found in Birmingham are Opheem, Purnell’s, Simpsons, Carters of Moseley, and Adams, which is quite literally on Kitchen By Liquid’s doorstop. Andreas Antona, owner of Simpsons, also owns The Cross in Kenilworth, a restaurant that has held its star for an impressive six years.
We know how lucky we are to be in such proximity to these amazing restaurants, will you be paying a visit to any?