Britain’s Michelin Star Awards revealed for 2020

7 October saw the announcement of 2020’s prestigious Michelin Star Awards, with 28 new British additions added to the list. Names such as Condita in Edinburgh, Artichoke in Buckinghamshire and The Angel at Hetton in Yorkshire all received their first star, while new two and three star restaurants emerged, as venerable venues such as London’s Sketch adding to their coveted collections. Celebrating Britain as a culinary destination with clout, discover our roundup of some of the standout stars and new Michelin additions below.

Standout awards

Manchester

One of the biggest success stories from the evening was Manchester’s Mana. Under former Noma chef Simon Martin, the bustling Ancoats restaurant was awarded the city’s first star in more than 40 years. Having opened last year, this artistic eatery’s focus on seasonality saw it rise to the top of Manchester’s food scene.

London

Sketch in Mayfair has added another star to its collection, with its Lecture Room & Library achieving an incredible three stars – the highest Michelin award. Upstairs from the instantly recognisable pink room, Sketch’s reputation continues to grow as the ultimate spot for diners wanting a unique and ‘haute couture’ experience, from French chef Pierre Gagnaire.

Also elevated by another star was La Dame De Pic, located in the capital’s Four Seasons Hotel. Chef Anne-Sophie Pic constantly evolves her French menu to deliver the ultimate dining experience, a strategy that saw it go from a one to two stars this week.

Wiltshire

Joining an elite group of just 23 restaurants in the UK, The Dining Room at Whatley Manor in Wiltshire was also promoted from one to two Michelin Stars. Headed up by executive chef Niall Keating – European Chef of the Year 2018 – the seasonal modern British menu cemented the restaurant as one of Britain’s brightest new culinary highlights.

First time stars

London shines as the culinary capital

London saw numerous new establishments awarded their first Michelin accolade, namely Nuno Mendes’s Mãos in Shoreditch, Dysart Petersham in Richmond, Endo at The Rotunda in Shepherd’s Bush, and Da Terra in Bethnal Green, with the city showing once more why it’s one of the world’s hottest destinations for foodies.

The Lake District doubles its stars

One of Britain’s most beautiful regions proved that it’s also one of its best for gourmands, with The Cottage in the Wood in Braithwaite, Old Stamp House at Ambleside and Allium at Askham Hall in Askham all awarded one star, taking the area’s total to eight stars plus a coveted Bib Gourmand for The Dog and Gun Inn at Skelton.  

Culinary creativity in the Midlands

The Midlands also saw new stars awarded to two restaurants with creativity at their culinary hearts - Opheem, an innovative Indian restaurant in Birmingham headed up by Aktar Islam, and the stylish plant based Alchemilla, in Nottingham.