A haunt of Robert Burns which serves 300 whiskies and a restaurant which serves food foraged from Yorkshire are among seven new UK entries to the Michelin Guide.
This summer Inspectors for the discerning culinary guide have been out on the road eating lunch and dinner in restaurants all over the British Isles, carefully scrutinising their delicious offerings on our behalves.
Seven of these restaurants have impressed the inspectors enough to have earned themselves entry into the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland.
Ahead of the yearly launch ceremony when the Michelin Stars, Bib Gourmands and Green Stars will be unveiled, the new additions to the Guide - a lesser honour than a star, but still a serious mark of success - have been announced.
Plaza Khao Gaeng, Bloomsbury, London
This Thai restaurant sits on the mezzanine level of their Arcade Food Hall and the Michelin inspectors say it "faithfully recreates the spicy curries of Southern Thailand" [‘khao gaeng’ translates as ‘curry over rice’.].
They highlight the fact that chef Luke Farrell grows many of the ingredients himself in a custom-built tropical greenhouse in Dorset.
"Punchy Thai dishes like gung pad sator prik gaeng tai (tiger prawns with sator beans, stir-fried in a southern curry paste) or kua kling muu (dry wok fried pork) don’t hold back on the spicing," they write.
Little Hollows Pasta, Bristol
The name of this deli comes from the first pasta shape that chef-owner Chris learned to make.
Today if you walk past his restaurant you'll see the handmade pasta this restaurant specialises in hanging out to dry.
"The best idea is to ignore the menu and just go with the team’s suggestions: you can’t go wrong with any one of the honest Italian dishes, which are authentic, fresh and full of flavour," Michelin writes.
"Make sure you try one of the classic desserts – and don’t forget to grab something from the deli to take home with you."
1610, Dumfries
The historic Globe Inn is well known in the area as one of the favourite haunts of Scottish poet, Robert Burns.
It has more than 300 whiskies available – including some from the owners’ distillery – and provides a good place to start your evening.
Michelin's inspectors advise having a whisky here and then heading to the adjoining 1610 restaurant, whose name is a reference to the year it opened.
There you can "enjoy creative, modern dishes, which are well-crafted and full of colour and flavour."
They recommend going for the the tasting menu "for the full 1610 experience."
Seacliff, Berrynarbor
"Commanding views of the cliffs and the bay are a big part of the draw of this smart restaurant, located at the front of the long-standing, family-run Sandy Cove Hotel," the inspectors write of Seacliff.
While the view is good, the "food is more than a match" for it.
Local ingredients and prepared with modern techniques to create dishes such as Lundy lobster, saffron aioli, Devon crab, braised fennel, bouillabaisse and cod, cauliflower with fennel, brown shrimp beurre noisette, samphire.
"If you’re celebrating, look no further than the tasting menu, which comes with matching wines," the inspectors advise.
Rattle Owl, York
Rattle Owl is located on the famous cobbled streets of York and serves ingredients from the county, some of which are foraged by members of his team.
The Michelin Guide recommends that people come along at 1pm, Thursday to Saturday, to enjoy a four or eight course lunch.
"Sunday sees a roast, and there’s a real buzz here in the evenings (Wed-Sat), when you should ask for a table on the first floor and try out the organic wine pairings," they write. "Friendly service completes the picture."
Arkle, Chester
Arkle was formerly called the Chester Grosvenor Hotel and held a Michelin Star when run by Simon Radley.
It now has Chester native Elliot Hill newly installed behind the stoves, a new name and has been recognised in the guide.
"The restaurant not only has a new name but also a new look, which blends modernity with the luxury and elegance for which this landmark spot is known," the inspectors write.
"The tasting menu highlights the best seasonal British produce, be that Scottish lobster or Herdwick lamb from the Lake District, and dishes are tasty, modern and well-presented."
Apricity, Mayfair, London
Chef owner Chantelle Nicholson used to work at Tredwells but has now launched this restaurant just off of Oxford Street.
The inspectors have praised her "strong sustainability ethos" which "extends far beyond kitchen practices to also include the design and decoration of the restaurant and even the staff uniforms."
They highlight a menu which focuses on seasonal British ingredients from small producers and a good selection for vegetarians.
"Service is unfailingly sunny and the atmosphere, warm and unhurried," the inspectors write.
