A small village in Lancashire with a population of just over 8,000 has surpassed Kyoto, Japan, as the place with the highest proportion of Michelin stars per head of population. Aughton, located between Ormskirk and Maghull, is home to three Michelin-starred restaurants holding a total of five stars.
The village's culinary reputation is anchored by Moor Hall, a 16th-century manor house that earned three Michelin stars in 2024. Chef Mark Birchall described the achievement as a dream come true, noting that Moor Hall is now one of only 10 restaurants in the UK and Ireland to hold three stars, and just two outside London and Bray. Michelin inspectors praised every dish as 'simply brilliant,' calling it one of the best dining experiences in the world.
Moor Hall's sister restaurant, The Barn, received one Michelin star in 2022, offering a more informal dining experience. The third establishment, sō-lō, is chef Tim Allen's first solo venture and also holds one star. All three restaurants are within walking distance of each other.
Beyond its gastronomic success, Aughton won the 2023 Lancashire Best Kept Village award for its well-kept appearance. The village is accessible via the A59 and has two railway stations, Town Green and Aughton Park, on Merseyrail's Northern Line.
