Who's in and who's out? That's what everyone wants to know when the new Michelin Guide to Great Britain and Ireland arrives, so what's the news for 2010? Publication of the guide and the list of latest Michelin-starred restaurants was brought forward in the UK when Amazon sent out a copy in advance of publication. It went to the wife of one of the new Michelin-starred chefs in Scotland who had pre-ordered a copy. The arrival of a Michelin star is something to shout about.
Gordon Ramsay and Alain Ducasse
Two of the prominent names in the 2010 Michelin Guide, but for opposite reasons, are two of the world's best-known chefs: Gordon Ramsay and Alain Ducasse. Ramsay's restaurant at Claridge's in London's Mayfair lost its Michelin star for 2010, while Alain Ducasse was the only new recipient of the top ranking of three Michelin stars, for his restaurant at the Dorchester Hotel, also in London.
Restaurants with Three Michelin Stars
Gordon Ramsay did, however, keep his three Michelin star rating for his flagship London restaurant, Gordon Ramsay. The 2010 Michelin Guide lists only four 3-star restaurants in Great Britain and Ireland, two in London and two in the village of Bray-on-Thames in Berkshire. The two places are less than 5 minutes walk from each other, making Bray the gourmet capital of Great Britain. The four 3-star restaurants are:
- The Fat Duck in Bray, under chef Heston Blumenthal
- The Waterside Inn, Bray-on-Thames, run by Michel Roux and his son Alain. The Waterside Inn has had the 3-star accolade since 1985 – 25 years of consistently wonderful cooking.
- Gordon Ramsay in London
- Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester in London
New Restaurant with Two Michelin Stars
London's Ledbury is the only restaurant to be elevated to the 2-star category for 2010. The Ledbury has already been voted Tatler's Restaurant of the Year in 2006, and the Good Food Guide's London Restaurant of the Year in the same year. Australian chef Brett Graham began his career in Newcastle, Australia, in a simple fish restaurant, and his 2-Michelin-star Tasting Menu today includes such mouth-watering dishes as loin of Sika deer baked in hay with root vegetables, chocolate malt and homemade sauerkraut.
More Budget Places to Stay and to Eat
The Michelin Guide is renowned for showcasing the absolute best places to stay and eat, but with over 4,000 hotels and restaurants reviewed there are also more budget places recommended. These get the accolade of Bib Gourmand or Bib Hotel – good food or good accommodation at moderate prices. These range from SouthWest Ireland to NorthWest England, from Colwyn Bay to the Isle of Skye, from Belfast to Torquay. It's a credit to the team of Michelin inspectors that they continue to seek out these more affordable places to stay and to eat without demeaning the value of the Michelin Star.
Michelin Maps
The Michelin Guide also includes maps to the major towns and cities, marking not only every entry in the guide but also the main streets and attractions, making them good driving guides too. With over 1,900 hotels rated and over 2,000 restaurants recommended, on top of 120 town and city plans, all packed into 1278 pages, the Michelin guides continue to give good value for money.
Michelin Great Britain and Ireland Guide 2010
The 2010 Michelin Guide costs £15.99 in the UK and $26 in the USA, where it is published in April 2010. For more information see the Michelin Travel Guides website. The guide is also available on Amazon, other online booksellers, and in book stores.
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See also the Michelin Eating Out in Pubs Guide 2010.
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Mike Gerrard - Mike is an award-winning travel writer who has worked for National Geographic, the London Times, and many other clients. ...
