The culinary world is abuzz with the latest Michelin star announcements for 2026, and the Great Britain & Ireland Guide has some mouth-watering surprises! But first, let's set the stage with a bold statement: The restaurant scene in the UK and Ireland is on fire, and these new stars are proof!
In the prestigious 2026 ceremony held in Dublin, two restaurants in London, England, were the talk of the town. Row on 5 and Bonheur by Matt Abé both earned their second Michelin stars, solidifying their place in the culinary elite. Row on 5, a collaboration between Jason Atherton and Spencer Metzger, secured its second star after a successful first star win last year. Metzger, the executive chef, expressed his joy, while Atherton praised him as the future of culinary talent.
But here's where it gets controversial—Bonheur by Matt Abé achieved the remarkable feat of earning two Michelin stars just three months after opening its doors! Michelin's international director, Gwendal Poullennec, praised Chef Abé's unique vision and ambition. The restaurant's location adds to its allure; it occupies the same space as the legendary Le Gavroche, the first UK restaurant to earn three Michelin stars. And this is the part most people miss—Bonheur is a collaboration with none other than celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who trained at Le Gavroche in his early days.
Matt Abé's passion is evident in his words: "It's a challenging journey, but I embrace it with open arms. I aim to honor the legacy, foster talent, and ensure its continuation." He also praised his team's incredible achievements in such a short time.
While no new restaurants joined the exclusive three-star club this year, the ceremony still had plenty of excitement. Legado in London, England, was one of the lucky recipients of its first Michelin star. Chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho, who partnered with JKS Restaurant, expressed her joy after years of hard work. Other first-time star winners include Jöro in Sheffield and Maré by Rafael Cagali in Brighton and Hove, ending the region's near 50-year wait for a Michelin star.
Ireland and Scotland also had reasons to celebrate. Forest Avenue in Dublin and The Pullman in Galway received their first stars in the Republic of Ireland. Meanwhile, Killiecrankie House near Pitlochry and 1887 in Torridon became the proud owners of Scotland's newest Michelin stars.
In total, 20 restaurants were awarded their first Michelin star in this year's ceremony. The full list of new one-star restaurants includes 1887 in Torridon, Ambassadors Clubhouse and Corenucopia by Clare Smyth in London, Fifty Two in Harrogate, Forest Avenue in Dublin, Jöro in Oughtibridge, Kerfield Arms in London, Killiecrankie House in Killiecrankie, Labombe by Trivet in London, Legado in London, Maré by Rafael Cagali in Brighton and Hove, Michael Caines at the Stafford in London, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High in London, Somssi by Jihun Kim in London, The Boat in Lichfield, The Pullman in Galway, The Wilderness in Birmingham, Tom Brown at the Capital in London, Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling in Newquay, and Vraic in Guernsey.
The new two-star restaurants for 2026 are Row on 5 and Bonheur by Matt Abé, both in London. However, no new restaurants were awarded the coveted three Michelin stars this year, with all existing three-starred restaurants retaining their prestigious status.
The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2026 has more to offer, including green stars, special awards, new Bib Gourmands, and the list of restaurants that lost stars. It's a testament to the dynamic and ever-evolving culinary landscape of the UK and Ireland. So, what do you think of these new Michelin stars? Are there any surprises or snubs? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a culinary conversation!
