While most restaurants that hold a Michelin Star worry about losing the honour one day, it's fair to say few have had to experience it being STOLEN from them. Yet that's the scene over at Manchester's acclaimed Mana restaurant - as its coveted Michelin Star award has been swiped from outside the venue.
The fine dining venue, based in trendy Ancoats, is the only restaurant in Greater Manchester to hold a Michelin Star - considered the most prestigious foodie honour. It became the first city centre restaurant to win the star in over 40 years in 2019, and has retained it in every Michelin Guide since.
Upon receiving the honour, they were sent a Michelin Star plaque that was given pride of place at the restaurant on Blossom Street. But in recent weeks, staff were stunned to find it had been removed from outside the front door.
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The disappearance appears to have sparked speculation over whether the restaurant was still included in the Michelin Guide, according to chef Simon Martin. But he has now cleared up the issue on Twitter.
Chef Simon explained to foodies that the plaque was stolen in recent weeks. And restaurant bosses have confirmed that the Michelin Guide has been informed and that a new star is on its way.
Simon tweeted on Saturday: "Dear the people of Ancoats and Greater Manchester, Thank you for your messages of concern regarding mana being included in the @MichelinGuideUK.
"Unfortunately, our plaque was stolen, we have requested a new one which we will re-fix in a sturdier manner." He added an exasperated face emoji before ending the message: "Peace!"
The MEN asked the restaurant for further comment, and were told that the plaque was stolen "a few weeks ago" from outside the front door. They added: "A sparkling new one is on its way to us and we'll make sure it's more sturdily fixed on."
Mana claimed the Michelin Star just a year after bursting onto the foodie scene in Manchester back in 2018, with the cuisine of chef Simon Martin causing a stir among regional and national critics. The venue is known for its inventive 16-course taster menus that "reflect the seasons".
It became the first city centre restaurant to hold the star since The French at The Midland Hotel in Manchester, which held the award from 1974 - 1977. In more recent years Juniper in Altrincham held the Michelin Star for 11 years but lost it when chef Paul Kitching relocated to Edinburgh in 2009.
Mana is Manchester's most expensive place to dine, with the full dinner set menu priced at £195 per person. Although there is also now a "reduced menu" offering with fewer courses, priced at £95 per person.
It is based on Blossom Street, close to Cutting Room Square which has become Ancoats' burgeoning heart of regeneration with an explosion of new restaurants and bars opening in recent years. It has led to the district being regularly described as one of the " coolest places in the world " by travel guides and critics alike.
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