Michelin Guide 2021: 23 restaurants awarded green stars for 'sustainable gastronomy'

Michelin has awarded its green star for sustainable gastronomy to 23 restaurants in the Great Britain and Ireland Guide 2021.

Recipients include Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham (pictured); Inver in Strachur; Palé Hall, Llandderfel and Loam in Galway, which won the Sustainable Gastronomy award in 2019.

It is the first time the green star has featured in the local edition after debuting in the French 2020 guide last year.

The award recognises restaurants with a focus on environmental practices and is available to those which hold a Plate, Bib Gourmand or Star distinction.

Many work directly with growers, farmers and fishermen; forage in hedgerows and woodlands; and grow plants and rear animals.

Recipients were also recognised for taking steps to improve the quality of life of their staff and contributing to local, national or global charity and education projects.

Restaurant Sat Bains moved to a four-day week in 2015 to improve working conditions for its team and has collaborated with the University of Nottingham on sustainability initiatives.

Bains told The Caterer he was "delighted" with the award, adding: "We've been massive advocates of being green for a long time, whether that's using well-sourced food, reducing energy, or shortening the working week, ensuring we continue to attract the best staff and retain them.

"Amanda and I took a leap of faith closing the restaurant three days a week and its meant we're able to offer world-class working conditions and still offer a world-class level of food and service. "

Some chefs have previously questioned how the green star is audited, but Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, said restaurants were selected by inspectors "based on their fieldwork", as well as "complimentary researchers and exchanges with the chefs".

He added: "These restaurants are not only an inspiration for the industry but also all the readers and users of the Michelin Guide."

The green stars for 2021 are as follows:

England

Angela's, Margate

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Great Milton, Oxfordshire

Black Swan, Oldstead, York

Coombeshead Farm, Lewannick, Launceston

Daylesford Organic Farm, Daylesford, Moreton-in-Marsh

Hypha, Chester

L'Enclume, Cartmel, Cumbria

New Yard, Trelowarren, Helston

Oxo Tower Brasserie, Southwark, London

Petersham Nurseries Café, Richmond, London

Restaurant Sat Bains, Nottingham

River Cottage Kitchen, Axminster

Silo, Hackney, London

The Dining Room – Whatley Manor, Malmesbury

The Ethicurean, Wrington, Bristol

The Small Holding, Kilndown, Kent

Tredwells, Strand and Covent Garden, London

Where the Light Gets In, Stockport

Scotland

Inver, Strachur

Wales

Henry Robertson - Palé Hall, Llandderfel

Republic of Ireland

Inis Meáin Restaurant and Suites, Inishmaan, Aran Islands

Kai, Galway

Loam, Galway