The Excitement Surrounding the 2026 Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland
The imminent release of the 2026 edition of the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland has food enthusiasts and industry insiders buzzing with anticipation. Scheduled for publication next week, speculation is rife about the restaurants poised to receive accolades from the esteemed red book.
Historically, predicting Michelin’s decisions has been a tricky affair. Restaurants that appear to be strong candidates for stars sometimes find themselves overlooked, as seen with establishments like BiBi in Mayfair and The Ritz. Conversely, newer venues have been awarded stars almost immediately, showcasing Michelin’s penchant for keeping the culinary world guessing.
Expected One-Star Recipients
In London, several contenders are making strong cases for their first Michelin star. Notable mentions include The Cocochine, Tom Brown at The Capital, Silver Birch, and Wildflowers. Food lovers are also hopeful for recognition of Chet Sharma’s progressive Indian venture, BiBi, that has generated much excitement. Additionally, Gordon Ramsay High is another name in the spotlight; under the guidance of talented chef James Goodyear, who has experience at Soho’s Evelyn’s Table, it could very well follow suit. We also anticipate stars for Clare Smyth’s Core this year.
Outside the hustle of London, JÖRO is seen as a worthy contender after relocating to the tranquil surroundings of the Peak District. Another hopeful is Higher Ground, which, despite currently holding a Bib Gourmand, stands ready for a star award. Meanwhile, Ruth Hansom’s eponymous restaurant in North Yorkshire has made a name for itself, and Brighton and Hove is ardently hoping for its first Michelin star since the 1970s, largely thanks to the arrival of Rafael Cagali’s Maré.
Hot Contenders Beyond London
Further afield, we have Vraic, Nathan Davies’ restaurant in Guernsey, noted for its previous accolades at SY23. Other emerging stars include Fifty Two Rudding Park, Gwen in Birmingham, Dongnae, Tallow, Winsome in Manchester, and Upstairs at Landrace in Bath—all of which have garnered praise and attention in their respective locales.
Potential Two-Star Promotions
As the guide anticipates potential promotions, Lyla and Avery in Edinburgh are under close watch for a possible two-star upgrade. In London, the esteemed Trinity may receive its second star, while Bonheur by Matt Abé could enter the two-star arena right away, thanks to Abé’s pedigree and prior accolades at Gordon Ramsay’s flagship restaurant.
Another heavy contender for two-star recognition is Woven by Adam Smith at Coworth Park, as it continues to impress diners and critics alike. Similarly, Osip, led by Merlin Labron-Johnson, might also be in the running for an upgrade. On the outside, Jason Atherton’s Row on Five seems to be strategically planning for a potential two-star push amidst rising menu prices.
Three-Star Aspirations
The buzz around Dublin’s restaurants is palpable, particularly regarding Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, which could celebrate its 30th anniversary with a potential three-star honor. Additionally, Ikoyi has long been a name associated with three-star status, with many food aficionados believing it is time for Michelin to catch up with its accolades.
Ynyshir, the creative restaurant run by Gareth Ward, continues to be a focal point for discussion. It is often mentioned in association with three-star credentials, showcasing exceptional food quality. However, concerns regarding its lack of traditional three-star attributes, alongside a recent health scrutiny, may temper Michelin’s final decision.
The Future of Green Stars
A noteworthy aspect this year is the speculation surrounding Michelin’s green stars, which reward sustainability in dining. While rumors suggested these stars might be phased out, Michelin insists they remain committed to this initiative. Questions linger, however, about how to define sustainability in the restaurant industry. With currently only 36 restaurants sporting a green star in the GB & Ireland guide, it will be interesting to see if Michelin leans into sustainability with new stars or maintains its focus on traditional rankings.
Closing Thoughts
As the Michelin Guide prepares for its upcoming reveal, the anticipation is palpable across the culinary community. With so many talented chefs and innovative concepts vying for recognition, the excitement of the reveal is sure to generate plenty of conversation and perhaps even some surprises.