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50 Years of Michelin: The UK’s Longest-Held Michelin-Star Restaurants
This year, The Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland turns 50. Save the date for February 5th, 2024, when the latest lineup of restaurants, symbolising culinary excellence, will be revealed in a glamorous ceremony at Manchester’s prestigious Midland Hotel. Fun fact: The Midland Hotel itself proudly earned a star back in 1974, during the guide’s inaugural launch!
In the spirit of this milestone, Luxury Restaurant Guide delves into the archives to discover which establishments have endured, holding Michelin stars the longest. With the gastronomic landscape now boasting 198 restaurants, the burning question is – which ones have weathered the storm? The answer is extraordinary and solitary: The Waterside Inn, a steadfast star holder throughout its illustrious history. Special mention to Le Gavroche, missing the anniversary lineup by a mere 23 days after closing this year following 25 years of stellar performance.
Prepare to be enthralled as we pay homage to these culinary landmarks that have shaped the UK’s fine dining landscape. Behold the top 26, along with their cumulative total of Michelin stars hard earnt over the years:
1. The Waterside Inn, Bray, Berkshire
The UK’s most awarded restaurant of all time and the only one remaining from the original book’s publication. It was also the first restaurant outside of London to attain three-stars.
Michelin stars retained since: 1974
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 136. It has held an impressive three-star rating every successive year since 1984, two-star rating from 1978 to 1984, and one star rating from 1974 to 1976.
Current Head Chef Patron: Alain Roux
Cuisine: French
2. Hambleton Hall, Oakham, Rutland, Leicestershire
The longest retained single star in the UK has catapulted Rutland, a previously unheard-of destination, on the map as a luxury hotel and exceptional fine dining destination.
Michelin stars retained since: 1983
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 41. Successfully retaining one Michelin star every year from three years after opening in 1980.
Current Head Chef Patron: Aaron Patterson
Cuisine: Modern British
Club: Luxury Restaurant Club privileges apply; see details.
3. Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons – a Belmond Hotel, Great Milton, Oxford
Under Raymond Blanc’s visionary leadership, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons epitomizes fork-to-plate excellence, fostering culinary brilliance and shaping notable chefs’ careers like Marco Pierre White and Heston Blumenthal.
Michelin stars retained since: 1984
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 80. An outstanding achievement for retaining two star ratings every year since opening – currently 39 years and counting.
Chef Patron: Raymond Blanc, Executive Chef: Luke Selby
Cuisine: French
Club: Luxury Restaurant Club privileges apply; see details.
4. Pied a Terre, Fitzrovia, London
Pied a Terre holds the distinction of being the longest-reigning Michelin-starred restaurant in London, surpassing an impressive 30 years and still counting.
Michelin stars retained since: 1993
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 44. Featuring a combination of one and two stars from 1993 to 2010, and maintaining one star every year since 2011.
Restaurateur: David Moore Head Chef: Asimakis Chaniotis. Previous chefs include Richard Neat and Tom Aikens.
Cuisine: French
Club: Luxury Restaurant Club privileges apply; see details.
5. Le Champignon Sauvage, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Le Champignon Sauvage’s remarkable journey includes being a quiet trailblazer in British gastronomy, celebrated for unique flavours that demand to be savoured. Renowned chefs like Heston Blumenthal and Pierre Koffmann have recognised its enduring impact on the culinary landscape.
Michelin stars retained since: 1995.
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 47. Comprising a blend of one and two Michelin stars over the years, maintaining its two-star status from 2000 to 2018.
Chef Patron: David Everitt-Mattias with wife Helen at front of house. Notably, Le Champignon Sauvage is acclaimed for its consistent brilliance under David’s dedicated leadership; with him boasting an impressive 37-year journey without missing a service!
Cuisine: French
6. Northcote, Blackburn, Lancashire
Northcote, a privately owned hotel and fine dining restaurant, initially earned a Michelin star rating from 1975 to 1979. We rejoin its journey when it achieved continuous Michelin star recognition.
Michelin stars retained since: 1996
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 28, or 32 when counting its initial star ratings. Successfully retaining one-star rating throughout.
Executive Head Chef: Lisa Goodwin-Allen
Cuisine: Modern British
7. The River Cafe, Hammersmith, London
For over three decades, The River Cafe has held an iconic status, offering a welcoming and relaxed ambiance coupled with the finest ingredients and a fuss-free approach. While this approach is now considered de rigueur, it was a refreshing change when the restaurant first opened its doors in 1987.
Michelin stars retained since: 1998
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 24. Successfully retaining one-star rating throughout.
Chef Patron: Ruth Rogers
Cuisine: Italian
(Joint) 8. The Fat Duck, Bray, Berkshire
The Fat Duck is perhaps one of the most famous and one of the best restaurants in the world – known for pushing the culinary boundaries with Heston’s experimental cooking.
Michelin stars retained since: 1999.
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 64. Three stars every year since 2004, and prior two stars for 2003 and 2002 and one star for the three years from 1999. We are discounting 2016 when the restaurant was closed for six months of refurbishment and wasn’t therefore eligible for assessment.
Patron: Heston Blumenthal Executive Chef: Edward Cooke
Cuisine: Molecular gastronomy
(Joint) 8. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Chelsea, London
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay stands as London’s most highly awarded Michelin restaurant. Serving as the launchpad for Gordon Ramsay’s illustrious career, this establishment marked his inaugural solo venture, commencing at the age of 31 in 1998.
Michelin stars retained since: 1999
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 73. Securing two Michelin stars for the successive years after opening, this exceptional restaurant has then achieved an impressive three-star status consistently since 2001.
Restaurateur: Gordon Ramsay Chef Patron: Matt Abé
Cuisine: French
(Joint) 8. Chez Bruce, Wandsworth Common, London
This beloved neighbourhood restaurant has enchanted diners with its Michelin-starred culinary prowess and unwavering commitment to creating exceptional dining experiences.
Michelin stars retained since: 1999
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 25. Successfully retaining one-star rating throughout.
Chef Patron: Bruce Poole Head Chef: Matt Christmas
Cuisine: French
(Joint) 8. Morston Hall, Nr. Holt, Norfolk
A charming country house hotel gem and currently Norfolk’s most awarded restaurant. It is located just two miles from Blakeney, one of the prettiest parts of the North Norfolk coast.
Michelin stars retained since: 1999
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 25. Securing one Michelin star every successive year since 1999.
Head Chef: Tom Swaby
Cuisine: Modern British
12. Simpsons, Edgbaston, Birmingham
Simpsons played a pivotal role in igniting Birmingham’s gastronomic scene, setting high standards and contributing to the city’s reputation as a destination for top-notch dining experiences.
Michelin stars retained since: 2000
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 24. Securing one Michelin star every successive year since opening initially in 2000 in Kenilworth and then moving location to Edgbaston.
Chef Patron: Andreas Antona Head Chef: Luke Tipping
Cuisine: French
13. Restaurant Martin Wishart, Leith, Edinburgh
Martin Wishart’s eponymous restaurant holds the distinction of being Scotland’s longest-reigning Michelin-starred establishment – that still holds stars – an impressive feat achieved over 23 years and still counting.
Michelin stars retained since: 2001
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 23. Successfully retaining one-star rating throughout.
Chef Patron: Martin Wishart
Cuisine: French techniques with the finest Scottish ingredients.
(Joint) 14. Club Gascon, Clerkenwell, London
Club Gascon secures its place as the City of London’s longest-held Michelin star through its unwavering commitment to culinary excellence, presenting a gastronomic experience that has consistently captivated discerning palates.
Michelin stars retained since: 2002
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 22. Successfully retaining one-star rating throughout.
Chef Patron: Pascal Aussignac
Cuisine: French – paying homage to the traditional Gascony region.
(Joint) 14. Midsummer House, Cambridge
Midsummer House stands as Cambridgeshire’s highest awarded Michelin-starred restaurant, where Daniel Clifford’s elegant modern British cooking, evolving for over two decades, showcases seasonal produce and offers an exceptional dining experience in a carefully upgraded and refurbished setting overlooking the River Cam.
Michelin stars retained since: 2002
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 42. With the last 20 consecutive years as a two-star Michelin restaurant.
Chef Patron: Daniel Clifford Head Chef: Mark Abbott
Cuisine: French
(Joint) 14. Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Gleneagles, Auchterarder, Perthshire
Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, the sole two-Michelin-starred establishment in Scotland, stands independently within the world-class destination of Gleneagles, offering an extraordinary dining experience.
Michelin stars retained since: 2002
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 44. With the last 18 consecutive years, from 2006 onwards, as a two-star Michelin restaurant.
Chef Patron to 2018: Andrew Fairlie (deceased) Head Chef: Stephen McLaughlin
Cuisine: British/ French
(Joint) 17. Restaurant Sat Bains, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Sat Bains’ eponymous restaurant in Nottingham, boasting two Michelin stars, has stood the test of time due to his culinary prowess and dedication to excellence, drawing inspiration from his early career influences like Marco Pierre White and working alongside René Redzepi.
Michelin stars retained since: 2003
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 33. With the last 12 consecutive years, from 2012 onwards, as a two-star Michelin restaurant.
Chef Patron: Sat Bains Head Chef: John Freeman
Cuisine: Modern European
(Joint) 17. Hakkasan Hanway Place, Fitzrovia, London
The original Hakkasan, a trailblazer in the group, is synonymous with high design and distinctive, modern Chinese cuisine, a testament to its enduring Michelin-starred success.
Michelin stars retained since: 2003
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 21. Consistently holding one-star Michelin every year, just two years after opening in 2001.
Global Executive Chef: Andrew Yeo Head Chef: Tong Chee Hwee
Cuisine: Authentic Cantonese with contemporary influences.
(Joint) 17. Locanda Locatelli, Marylebone, London
Locanda Locatelli has consistently held a Michelin star and garnered acclaim as one of London’s finest Italian restaurants, thanks to Giorgio Locatelli’s deep-rooted commitment to quality, fresh produce, and his creative approach to traditional Italian dishes.
Michelin stars retained since: 2003
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 21. Consistently holding one-star Michelin every year, just one year after opening in 2002.
Chef Patron: Giorgio Locatelli
Cuisine: Italian
(Joint) 20. L’Enclume, Cartmel, Cumbria
L’Enclume, under the culinary mastery of chef Simon Rogan, has earned its status as one of England’s premier dining establishments, a three Michelin star destination. Its exceptional farm-to-table ethos, with a focus on homegrown produce and a 20-course tasting menu featuring wild herbs and flowers, reflects Rogan’s commitment to quality ingredients and innovative cooking.
Michelin stars retained since: 2005
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 32. Receiving first star in 2005 and retaining for 8 years, a second from 2013 and retaining for 9 years and currently the highest accolade, a three star holder for two year and counting since 2022.
Chef Patron: Simon Rogan Executive Chef: Paul Burgalieres
Cuisine: Modern British
(Joint) 20. Bohemia, St Helier, Jersey
Bohemia in Jersey stands as the most decorated Michelin restaurant on the island. Shaun Rankin, its former Head Chef, played a pivotal role in establishing the restaurant’s culinary prominence, together with Steve Smith and Callum Graham in later years.
Michelin stars retained since: 2005
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 19. Successfully retaining one-star rating throughout.
Head Chef: Callum Graham
Cuisine: Modern British
(Joint) 22. The Masons Arms, Knowstone, Devon
One of the prettiest restaurants in the UK, The Masons Arms, led by former Waterside Inn head chef Mark Dodson, seamlessly blends luxury and comfort. Awarded a Michelin star within a year of its inception in 2005, it also offers a diverse wine list to complement Dodson’s masterful blend of classical French cuisine with a down-to-earth touch.
Michelin stars retained since: 2006
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 18. Consistently holding one Michelin star each year.
Head Chef: Mark Dodson
Cuisine: Modern British
Club: Luxury Restaurant Club privileges apply, see details.
(Joint) 22. The Hand and Flowers, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
The Hand and Flowers in Marlow, from renowned chef Tom Kerridge, has earned the distinction of being the only pub in the world awarded two Michelin stars.
Michelin stars retained since: 2006
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 30. Holding one star from 2006 to 2012 and thereafter consistently holding two Michelin stars every year since.
Chef Patron: Tom Kerridge Head Chef: Tom De Keyser
Cuisine: Modern British
(Joint 22). The Elephant by Simon Hulstone, Torquay, Devon
Putting the English Riviera on the gastronomic map, Simon Hulstone, at the helm of The Elephant, seamlessly marries traditional and global influences, earning the restaurant a Michelin star in 2006—a prestigious accolade it proudly maintains.
Michelin stars retained since: 2006
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 18. Successfully retaining one-star rating throughout.
Chef Patron: Simon Hurlstone
Cuisine: Modern British
(Joint) 22. Amaya, Belgravia, London
Amaya proudly stands as the longest-retained Michelin star for an Indian restaurant in the UK. A pioneer of Modern Indian cuisine, with an emphasis on shared dining dishes, it showcases the diversity of Indian grilling techniques.
Michelin stars retained since: 2006
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 18. Consistently holding one-star Michelin each year following the two years after its launch in 2004.
Cuisine: Modern Indian Grill
(Joint) 22. Restaurant Hywel Jones, Lucknam Park, Colerne, Wiltshire
Lucknam Park’s Restaurant Hywel Jones has been a proud holder of a Michelin star since 2006 – a testament to Executive Chef Hywel Jones’s commitment to providing an unparalleled dining experience. Surrounded by the elegance of a bygone era, guests are treated to a culinary journey that emphasizes the finest ingredients, exquisite flavours, and a touch of sophistication, making it a timeless destination for fine dining.
Michelin stars retained since: 2006
Cumulative total of Michelin stars: 18. Consistently holding a Michelin star each year following two years of his arrival at Lucknam Park in 2004.
Head Chef: Hywel Jones
Cuisine: Modern British
Club: Luxury Restaurant Club privileges apply; see details.
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