Mon 5th Feb 2024 - The Ledbury awarded third Michelin star The Ledbury awarded third Michelin star: The Ledbury in London’s Notting Hill was awarded a third Michelin star at tonight’s Michelin Guide GB & Ireland ceremony in Manchester. The restaurant’s Australian chef Brett Graham was the sole new three-star entry, while all eight existing holders also retained their awards. A total of 25 new stars were awarded, including Siddharth Ahuja from JKS Restaurants’ Gymkhana in London’s Mayfair, which made history by becoming the first ever two-Michelin starred Indian restaurant in the capital. Ahuja was one of six new two stars awarded tonight, along with: Francesco Dibenedetto, Brooklands (London); Vincent Crepel, Terre (Castlemartyr, Republic of Ireland); Mark Donald, The Glenturret Lalique (Crieff, Scotland); Jonny Lake, Trivet (London); and Aktar Islam, Opheem (Birmingham). There was also a total of new 18 one stars awarded to: Joshua Overington, Myse (Hovingham); Josean Balotin, Mountain (London); James Sharp, 1890 by Gordon Ramsay (London); Hrishikesh Desai, Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai (Brampton); Benjamin Ferra Y Castell, Pavyllon London (London); Stefan McEnteer, The Bishop’s Buttery (Cashel, Republic of Ireland); Max Coen, Dorian (London); Miller Prada, Humo (London); Dan Cox, Crocadon (St Mellion); Robbie McCauley, Homestead Cottage (Doolin, Republic of Ireland); Ayo Adeyemi, Akoko (London); James Cross, Lake Road Kitchen (Ambleside); Hirotaka Wada, Sushi Kanesaka (London); Angelo Sato, Humble Chicken (London); James Moore, D’Olier Street (Dublin, Republic of Ireland); Sofian Msetfi, Ormer Mayfair (London); Charlie Taylor, Aulis (London); and Adejoke Bakare, Chishuru (London). A total of new six green stars, in recognition of sustainable practices, went to: Matt Powell, Anywynn (Narberth, Wales); Prim Dianne Lapuz, Exmoor Forest Inn (Simonsbath); Jake Jones, Forge (Middleton Tyas); Jean Delport, Interlude (Brighton); Johnnie Crowe, St Barts (London); and Chris Harrod, The Whitebrook (Whitebrook, Wales). The Michelin Young Chef Award went to Jake Jones of Forge (Middleton Tyas), while the Michelin Service Award was picked up by Robbie Ashby of Stage (Exeter). The Michelin Sommelier Award was taken home by Valentin Mouillard of L’Enclume (Cartmel), while the Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award was won by Ryan McHarg of The Spence (Edinburgh). Michael Roux was also presented with the Michelin Mentor Chef Award, having called last service at La Gavroche last month. Roux said: “We went out with a bang. I will miss my team and seeing the next generation coming through, which gives me the most pleasure. Seeing young talent coming through, achieving their goals and chasing their dreams. I was at Northcote Manor Obsession yesterday and there was a young man at front of house only 16 years old, and he wants to become the next great maitre d’, and he’s British, and that is unbelievable. And likewise in the kitchen, they have three young apprentices, and that is the future, and that is what I will miss most.” With the Guide celebrating its 50th anniversary, the evening was hosted by master of ceremonies Amanda Stretton, alongside the Guide’s international director, Gwendal Poullenac. “This is much more than just a symbolic milestone,” Poullenac said of the anniversary. “It is a tremendous source of joy and pride. It reminds us of privileged a relationship we have built with the industry. I hope the next 50 years are as full of brilliant discovery and experience as the first 50. Of course, 2023 and the beginning of 2024 has not been an easy time for the industry, and the inspectors have noticed the many challenges restaurants are facing. However, the number and quality of restaurants they have added to their selection reflect how positively the country’s chefs and restauranteurs are dealing with these challenges. The awards tonight demonstrate how resilient the industry is.”