The restaurants around Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds that caught the acclaimed food publisher’s attention this year

The results are in; Michelin’s newest batch of star-worthy destinations were announced this evening (Monday 9 February), providing UK gastronomers with even more locations to add to their ‘must-dine’ list for 2026.

Last year’s Michelin Guide ceremony, held at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, saw Manchester newcomer Skof - helmed by Tom Barnes (protege of Simon Rogan) - earn its first star, making it the second restaurant in the city to do so (first being Mana in Ancoats in 2019). Despite no other restaurants in the city claiming a star last year, there’s a great selection of already awarded dining destinations that are less than a two-hour drive away

2024 03 13 Tom Barnes
Tom Barnes, Head Chef at Skof Credit: Skof

Already announced to have received this year’s Bib Gourmands are Glossop’s Traditional British restaurant, Almanac, one of Stockport’s latest in Modern Cuisine, Cantaloupe, and Manchester’s British Contemporary favourite, Erst.  

2026 02 09 Almanac
Credit: Almanac

The 2026 Michelin Guide Ceremony was hosted in Dublin, bringing the awards to Ireland for the first time in history. 

This year’s new Michelin stars awarded across the North West are as follows:

Green Star awarded for sustainability:

One Michelin star:

Retained Three Michelin stars:


Header image: Manchester's 2025 winner, Skof 


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