The Lowdown: Michelin 2024
Manchester, eh… can we expect one of the city’s restaurants to come away with a big prize on the night?
Maybe so. The decision by Michelin to host its star revelation ceremony in Manchester could well be reflective of a big announcement on the night. For years Michelin faced extensive criticism for failing to recognise any of the city’s restaurants with a star, and even now the city is only home to one Michelin-starred establishment in the shape of Simon Martin’s Mana. Perhaps this year we could see that restaurant add a second star to its tally; or maybe we’ll see another one star added to the list. There’s Samuel Buckley’s Stockport restaurant Where the Light Gets In, for example, which already holds a Michelin green star in recognition of its robust sustainability practices and so could conceivably be on course to receive a star for its cooking too. And then there’s Adam Reid at The French, which is housed within The Midland Hotel where the ceremony is being held, which could also be an indicator.
How about outside of Manchester?
Certainly, there’s plenty of restaurant pedigree in the northwest, so it’s fair to expect we’ll see some notable recognition of the region during the ceremony. Some have even speculated that it could be about to become home to another three-star restaurant with Mark Birchall’s Moor Hall in Aughton, Lancashire, singled out as being ripe for promotion from its current two-star status.
What about in London – any guesses about who might be recognised there?
Where to begin? The capital has seen a glut of highly decorated international chefs take up residence in the city in the last year including Mauro Colagreco, chef-patron of the three Michelin-starred Mirazur in Menton, France; Björn Frantzén, whose eponymous Stockholm restaurant also has three Michelin stars; and Yannick Alléno, who has been at least awarded 12 Michelin stars in his career. Colagreco recently launched his first UK restaurant at Raffles London at The OWO, while Alléno has opened Pavyllon London at the Four Seasons Hotel at Park Lane, and Frantzén has Studio Frantzén in Harrods – so it’s probably safe to bet that at least one of those will be on course for a star. In terms of new openings, other possibilities for a star include Tomos Parry’s Mountain and Miller Prada’s Humo.
Any other predictions?
For us, one of the most impressive openings in recent months has been Lyla in Edinburgh, which launched on the site that previously housed Paul Kitching’s 21212 restaurant at the tail end of last year. Led by Aizle chef-patron Stuart Ralston, the restaurant is one of the Scottish capital’s most ambitious restaurant openings in some time (and certainly one of its most expensive), offering contemporary cooking in a manner that is palatable for traditionally minded diners who equate fine dining with a luxury setting and a more formal service style. Lyla was listed in the Guide within weeks of opening its doors and could well be on course for a star come Monday.
How can we keep up to date with what happens on the night?
For those not attending in person, the star revelation ceremony will be broadcast live via the Michelin Guide YouTube channel, and Restaurant will be bringing you news of all the new stars, awards and green stars, as well any deletions, on the night across our website and socials. The new selection will also be found subsequently on the Michelin Guide’s website and mobile app, which displays for free the restaurants and hotels recommended by the Michelin Guide.
