Michelin Guide 2026 Awards: A Year of Consolidation and Regional Triumphs
The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland awards for 2026, held in Dublin on Monday 9 February, delivered a night focused on consolidation rather than dramatic upheaval. With 20 new one-star restaurants announced and two establishments promoted to two stars, the ceremony underscored stability in the fine dining sector. Notably, no restaurants lost their stars, and no new three-star awards were granted, maintaining the elite status of existing top-tier venues.
Highlights and Promotions
All 10 three-star restaurants in the UK retained their prestigious ratings, including Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, which continues to excel under new head chef Kim Ratcharoen. The headline promotions featured two restaurants ascending directly to the two-star category. Jason Atherton's Row on 5, led by Spencer Metzger, was elevated from one star to two for its refined, contemporary fine dining. Meanwhile, Bonheur by Matt Abé, which opened in November, entered the guide at two stars immediately, marking a significant achievement for Abé, formerly head chef at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, and extending the Ramsay group's influence at the guide's upper echelons.
London's Dominance and Regional Breakthroughs
London continued to lead the culinary scene, with new one-star additions such as Legado, where Nieves Barragán Mohacho offers regionally rooted Spanish cooking; Somssi, presenting Korean-influenced fine dining at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair; and The Kerfield Arms, reflecting Michelin's growing appreciation for elevated pub formats. Gordon Ramsay High also secured its first star just over a year after opening, reinforcing the Ramsay group's strong performance.
Beyond the capital, the guide celebrated long-awaited regional breakthroughs. JÖRO became Sheffield's first Michelin-starred restaurant, recognised for its modern British, produce-led cuisine. On the south coast, Mare, led by Rafael Cagali, ended a nearly 50-year wait by securing Brighton's first star. In Cornwall, Ugly Butterfly earned a star for Adam Handling's contemporary, sustainability-focused dishes overlooking Fistral Beach. Ireland and Scotland also shone, with stars awarded to The Pullman in Galway, housed in restored Pullman train carriages, and 1887 at The Torridon hotel in the Highlands, which also received a Green Star for sustainability.
Sustainability and Talent Recognition
The evening highlighted Michelin's ongoing commitment to sustainability, service, and talent development. Seven new Green Stars were awarded, including to Knepp Wilding Kitchen in West Sussex and Forest Side in the Lake District. Tom Earnshaw of Bohemia in Jersey was named Young Chef of the Year, while Shwen Shwen in Sevenoaks took Opening of the Year alongside a Bib Gourmand, showcasing Michelin's growing recognition of West African cooking in the UK.
Gender Representation and Future Outlook
Gender representation remains a challenge, with only around 8 per cent of Michelin-starred chefs in the UK being women, despite recognitions for figures like Nieves Barragán Mohacho and Clare Smyth. In a year defined by steady affirmation rather than shock promotions, Michelin's message was clear: British and Irish fine dining is holding its ground, expanding geographically and culinarily, and rewarding consistency, even as true upheaval remains elusive.
Full List of New Awards
New One Stars: The Pullman, Galway; Legado, London; The Boat, Lichfield; FIFTY TWO, Harrogate; 1887, The Torridon, Scotland; Tom Browne at The Capital, London; The Ugly Butterfly, Cornwall; The Ambassador's Clubhouse, London; JÖRO, Sheffield; Gordon Ramsay High, London; Vraic, Guernsey; Somssi, London; The Wilderness, Birmingham; Labombe by Trivet, London; The Kerfield Arms, London; Michael Caines at The Stafford, London; Mare, Brighton and Hove; Corenucopia, London; Killiecrankie House, Scotland; Forest Avenue, Ireland.
New Two Stars: Row on 5, London; Bonheur, London.
New Green Stars: 1887, The Torridon, Scotland; Eight at Gazegill, Lancashire; Forest Side, Lake District; Glebe House, Devon; Knepp Wilding Kitchen, West Sussex; The Free Company, Edinburgh; Timberyard, Edinburgh.
Special Awards: Young Chef Award to Tom Earnshaw, Bohemia, Jersey; Exceptional Cocktails Award to Sebb's, Glasgow; Opening of the Year to Shwen Shwen, Sevenoaks; Sommelier Award to Roxanne Dupuy, Row on 5, London; Service Award to Barbara Nealon, Saint Francis Provisions, Cork.
