New star for Tim Allen's Sō–lō and Heft by Kevin Tickle
The Michelin Guides have been announced once more. The awards were held at Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire, on Monday 27th March. This is the first in-person ceremony in three years due to Covid-19 resulting in the last two series of stars being awarded virtually.
Awards were thin on the ground in the North of England this time around, but two very worthy restaurants were able to bag their first star.
In fact, there are now three restaurants that have been awarded Michelin stars within a mile of each other in Cartmel, South Lakes.
Allen truly is a prime example of hard work paying off
Continental pasta and spaztle specialists, The Spärrows were awarded a bib gourmand earlier last week for their Polish and Russian-inspired dishes.
Simon Rogan's L'Enclume in Cartmel was also invited back again to this year's ceremony to formally celebrate their three stars awarded back in 2022.
An impressive 22 new restaurants across Great Britain and Ireland were awarded Michelin stars this year.
sō–lō and Heft awarded one Michelin star
Sō–lō, an aptly-named solo venture by chef, Tim Allen was awarded its first star. Allen truly is a prime example of hard work paying off, with his vastly successful career starting out in the humblest of ways - as a kitchen porter at the Three Owls in Kirkburton. His award-winning restuarant is in Aughton, a little south of Ormskirk.
We're big fans of Tim Allen's latest venture here at Confidential. Read Gordos' review of Sōlō to see what he thought.
Heft by Kevin Tickle in Newton in Cartmel is another proud owner of a shiny new Michelin star. Heft takes menu inspiration from the seasons and the natural surroundings of the 17th century inn where it's based, playfully describing each dish. Michelin describes Heft's menu as having "real depth and originality".
Mana stays strong with one star in Manchester
Simon Martin's Mana has clung to its Michelin star for another year and still remains the only restaurant in the city of Manchester to boast one. We were expecting the possibility of two stars for Mana this time around, but unfortunately Michelin didn't bring this to fruition.
Moor Hall in Aughton must have had everything crossed for a third star, but alas they still keep their two. The charming venue for this restaurant is a lovingly restored 16th century country house, decked out in Scandi-style furnishings to add to the peaceful ambience. Moor Hall have also been awarded a Michelin green star for their gastronomy and sustainability.
Head Chef, Mark Birchall told the Michelin Guide: "Sustainability underpins everything we do. We have appointed ‘Sustainable Champions’ across all areas of our business to ensure we continually review and improve our processes; always taking into consideration the environment and the wellbeing of our staff, guests, suppliers and local economy."
We're surprised that Sam Buckley's Where The Light Gets In is still without a Michelin star, given their exceptional rotating menu and sustainable approach. The restaurant has however been awarded a green Michelin star in the past. Perhaps next year Michelin will recognise Stockport's hidden gem at 7 Rostron Brow.
No change for Leeds
Leeds were also left out of the runnings for new stars with the latest announcement, though Michael O'Hare's The Man Behind the Curtain is still holding the Michelin star-shaped fort for West Yorkshire's fine dining scene.
Liverpool yet to gain a Michelin star
Unfortunately, Liverpool still remains without any Michelin star restaurants, meaning another year goes by whilst the city waits for its day in the sun. Of course both Sō–lō and Moor Hall are close by, just ten miles from the city centre.
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