The Fat Duck, operated by Heston Blumenthal, has returned to The Michelin Guide with three stars, making it the fourth restaurant to earn such high praise.
The restaurant, located in Bray, Berkshire, lost its stars in 2015 after the venue temporarily relocated to Melbourne. After reopening in September 2015, The Fat Duck has now regained its status as one of the world’s best restaurants.
Rebecca Burr, editor of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2017, said “Our inspectors had many meals here during the course of the year and found the restaurant invigorated, rejuvenated and unquestionably worthy of being reawarded our highest accolade.”
The Fat Duck is accompanied by Alain Ducasse’s Dorchester and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay – both in London – as well as Michel Roux’s Waterside Inn, also in Bray.
Blumenthal’s Knightsbridge restaurant, Dinner, retained its two Michelin stars, along with Araki, Le Gavroche and Brett Graham’s The Ledbury.
As part of the judging process, restaurant dishes are assessed according to five criteria: the quality of the produce, the personality of the cuisine, culinary expertise and flavour, value for money and consistency.
Twenty new Michelin-starred restaurants were unveiled at the first-ever live launch of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland on 3 October.
The 2017 edition of the guide includes a new two Michelin star restaurant: Raby Hunt at Summerhouse, near Darlington, led by chef James Close. Eighteen new one Michelin star establishments were revealed, including two pubs: The Wild Rabbit in Oxfordshire with Tim Allen in the kitchen; and the Crown at Burchetts Green in Berkshire, run by Simon Bonwick and his family.
The Lake District has two new Michelin stars: Forest Side and Gilpin Hotel, while Dublin has another Michelin star in Heron & Grey.
In Wales, Sosban & The Old Butchers in Anglesey has gained a star, as has James Sommerin in Penarth.
Burr said “London’s great variety of establishments, its history, but also its dynamism and vitality are illuminated by the capital’s new Michelin stars.
“The Ritz Restaurant and Veeraswamy, London’s oldest Indian restaurant, both receive one Michelin star. These establishments have long and illustrious histories, but the cooking at both has never been better than it is today.”
Newcomers to the London dining scene awarded a Michelin star include Ellory and The Ninth.
Special congratulations were given to Michael Wignall, who made a move from Surrey to Devon and retained the two Michelin stars at Gidleigh Park.
To view the Michelin star allocations in greater detail, click here.
