But in one area Michelin still has a problem – it’s not keeping pace with the speed with which change is happening in the UK’s restaurant scene. Ironic for a company whose very reason for being is pace and grip. There are not enough women getting acknowledgement, nor the diverse range of cuisines on offer.
This year’s special Michelin awards for individuals all went to men, despite the restaurants around Britain with most buzz around them being run by or staffed with brilliant women. Veteran star watchers will point to Clare Smyth of Core and Helene Darroze of the Connaught getting three stars last year as proof of equality – but two world-class talents being recognised years later than they should have is not quite the right-on stamp of approval they think it is.
Here’s who won and who, in my view with many years of restaurant reviewing and food editing view, could have done if Michelin really wanted to redress the imbalance…
