Michelin Guide 2015: Chefs celebrate new stars

By Lauren Houghton

- Last updated on GMT

Fourteen restaurants in the UK were awarded Michelin stars in the 2015 guide
Fourteen restaurants in the UK were awarded Michelin stars in the 2015 guide

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The Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland 2015 saw 14 UK restaurants win a coveted Michelin star. BigHospitality caught up with some of the chefs behind the winning venues to find out what it means to them.

City Social

Jason Atherton's City Social​ opened in London's Tower 42 in May, with Paul Walsh heading up the kitchen as executive chef.

“I am totally over the moon, it is so great to get recognition for all the hard work and long hours we have put in to making City Social a success. A huge thanks to all my team for this incredible achievement," said Walsh.

Atherton added: “A Michelin star is an incredible accomplishment and I am so proud of all my teams. There is no doubt that we will be opening a few bottles of Champagne at the restaurants tonight.”

Kitchen Table Bubbledogs

James Knappett opened his intimate 19-seat ‘chef’s table’ restaurant in London’s Fitzrovia with his wife Sandia Chang in September 2012.

“Sandia and I are both absolutely thrilled at the news. It’s been a long journey, but we have fulfilled our dream of opening a successful restaurant together, and to be recognised with a Michelin star for doing something that you love is amazing. We’d like to thank all those that have supported us from the start, many of whom have become good friends over the last two years," said Knappett.

Gymkana

Gymkhana opened to critical acclaim last September, and was the worthy winner of the National Restaurant Awards 2014.

Chef patron Karam Sethi saod: "The [Michelin] award caps off a perfect year for Gymkhana and is a testament to my team of chefs at both Gymkhana and Trishna, headed by Group head chef Rohit Ghai, Brinder Narula, Nand Kishor and Sajeev Nair. Together we’ve worked very hard to create restaurants that serve great, authentic Indian food, and we’re striving to keep getting better as we enter Gymkhana's second year.”

Fera

Simon Rogan opened Fera at Claridges in May, offering a selection of multi-course menus featuring ‘the L’Enclume DNA’.

"We are absolutely delighted, it's such unexpected but amazing news for Fera. We are thrilled that the hard work over the past few months has been recognised, and we will continue to push our standards even further," Rogan said.

Ynyshir Hall – Wales

Gareth Ward joined Ynyshir Hall as head chef last year, and was named the 'Chef to Watch' in the Good Food Guide​ earlier this year. 

“It feels unbelievable to win. It took a lot of hard work, seven days a week and not getting any days off! Now I’m going to get drunk, and then I’ll push for two stars," Ward said.

Treby Arms

Masterchef: The Professionals 2012 winner Anton Piotrowski opened the Treby Arms in 2011, and the pub was named Best Food Pub​ in the Morning Advertisers Great British Pub Awards 2013, as well as being the highest new entry in the Top 50 Gastropub 2014 list​.

"Never thought a Michelin star would bring me to tears! I have an amazing wife and team, who I love dearly. They are all my stars! Thanks Michelin, dream come true," said Piotrowski.

Barrafina

Spanish tapas bar Barrafina was opened on Soho' Frith Street by brothers Sam & Eddie Hart in 2007, with executive head chef Nieves Barragan Mohacho overseeing the food.

"It has been a very long journey from the beginning, since we all started working together (the Hart brothers). It is incredible what we have achieved. Everyone has worked so hard, I am so proud," said Mohacho. 

The Cross at Kenilworth

The Cross at Kenilworth opened 12 months ago under the guidance of head chef Adam Bennett, who recently competed in the European finals of the Bocuse D’Or​.

Bennett said: “We’re absolutely delighted and being honest still in shock to have won a Michelin star within just a year of opening. Achieving such an accolade wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of the team and Andreas’ foresight and experience.  Due to my Bocuse d’Or commitments the last 12 months haven’t been easy so it’s fantastic to have our efforts rewarded."

The Crown at Whitebrook

It has been less than a year since Raymond Blanc-trained chef Chris Harrod took over The Crown at Whitebrook​ - a former Michelin-starred restaurant that had previously been forced to close after going into administration.

“Having spent the last 7 years trying to open my own restaurant, since leaving Colette’s at The Grove, and becoming chef/owner of The Crown at Whitebrook, achieving a Michelin star in our first year is a dream come true," said Harrod.

This also recognises the fantastic work of the whole team, as we deliver our  vision for The New Crown at Whitebrook to offer a personal and unique menu that reflects our location with strong connections to its surroundings, bringing the valley to the plate.”

Isle of Eriksa

Luxury hotel and spa Isle of Eriska opened its restaurant to residents and non-residents​ after a significant refurbishment in 2009. Ross Stovold, former head chef at Alimentum, took over as head chef in July 2013.

“We’re very happy, it’s a great recognition for 40 years of work and a wonderful award for our head chef Ross Stovold. It recognises his skill and constant pursuit of the best local produce, whether it’s from the island, sea or hills around us," said Isle of Eriska owner Beppo Buchanan-Smith.

Michelin Guide 2015: Twitter reactions
 

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