Michelin's Bib Gourmand awards, a relatively new addition to the guide's accolades, offer Londoners a practical alternative to the more prestigious Michelin stars. These awards recognise restaurants that serve high-quality food at good value, without the formal service expectations of starred establishments.
Currently, London boasts 52 Bib Gourmand restaurants, compared to 64 Michelin-starred venues. This highlights the exclusivity of the award, though Bib Gourmands are more accessible for everyday dining, avoiding the special-occasion price tags typical of starred restaurants.
The trend towards informal dining in London is reflected in the latest Michelin Guide, which awarded 15 new Bib Gourmands but only eight new stars. The name 'Bib' derives from Bibendum, the Michelin Man mascot created by the Michelin brothers in 1898.
For a full list, an interactive map of all Bib Gourmand restaurants in London is available, alongside guides to Michelin-starred venues and new additions to the guide.