The Caterer asked the industry which restaurants they're putting their money on for Michelin
Lowri Cooke, restaurant critic
"I'm really curious to see what Michelin will have spotted in Wales this year, off the back of 2022's success, when Ynyshir won a second star and SY23 won best newcomer and a star. I'm hopeful these will have opened the minds of Michelin to encourage them to visit more frequently.
"There are two places in Wales that I think are deserving of a star: the first is Hotel Portmeirion in Penrhyndeudraeth, overseen by head chef Mark Threadgill. This is long deserved – the whole experience, location, standard of service is fantastic and the food is exquisite – it's the best of Welsh produce with a bit of French flare and Eastern flavours.
"And if Cardiff was to at last gain a star, in my opinion it would go to Thomas by Tom Simmons. He was born and raised in Pembrokshire and opened his eponymous restaurant in London before coming back to Wales in 2020. His restaurant is a fantastic Welsh experience at the heart of the capital in Pontcanna. It's a neighbourhood restaurant which isn't too fussy and an example of an excellent chef using top-quality produce and bringing it to the city in a really special way. A win for Cardiff really would be headline news in Wales.
"Other restaurants I'm desperate to go to myself but haven't had a chance yet are Jackdaw in Conwy, Yr Odyn in Cardigan and Annwn, which was located at the Old Potting Shed in Lawrenny in Pembrokshire, but closed late 2022, due to reopen at a new location in Narberth town centre this spring. I'd be delighted to see any of these places mentioned."
Hywel Griffith, chef director, the Beach House Oxwich, Swansea
"This is pure speculation, of course. Two stars in Wales for me could be Jackdaw in Conwy and the Fernery, Grove of Narberth. Quite a few of my customers say they have been there and have been suitably impressed. Executive chef Douglas Balish has settled well in the Fernery now and surely this could be his year."
Thom Hetherington, founder of Landing Light and former chief executive of Northern Restaurant and Bar
"Looking across the north I think Simon Rogan's excellent Henrock is worthy of a star, and would complete the set for his Lake District restaurants. I also think Kenny Atkinson's pedigree, not to mention his sheer ambition, means Solstice has to be in the running to pick up a first star.
"On a similar note, albeit just outside the north, I'd say Lunar in Stoke-on-Trent deserves one – Niall Keating and Craig Lunn are doing something special there – and maybe a second for Mana and Simon Martin in Manchester."
Michel Roux Jr, owner, Le Gavroche, London
"I would be absolutely amazed if Lake Road Kitchen in Ambleside and Caractère in Notting Hill, London, are not bestowed with a star. And three stars for Moor Hall and Mark Birchall in Aughton, Ormskirk, and for Sat Bains in Nottingham."
Gary Jones, chef
"Three stars for Moor Hall and Chapter One in Dublin, two stars for the Ledbury and Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, both in London, and one star for Launceston Place in London, the Angel at Hetton in Skipton, North Yorkshire, and Lunar by Niall Keating."
Andy Hayler, food writer and restaurant critic
"I would guess that Cycene in London is in with a chance of a star, as is Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal. The Grill at the Dorchester is better than many starred restaurants yet has nothing so far. I think speculation at the two- and three-star level is fruitless. If Restaurant Guy Savoy is not worth three stars, then who in the UK deserves three? If pressed, maybe Chapter One in Dublin has a shot at a third star. I'd like to see second stars for Endo at the Rotunda in London and the Ritz London, but have been disappointed in this regard before."
David Mulcahy, culinary director, Sodexo
"Paul Ainsworth at No 6 in Padstow, Cornwall, is a worthy two-star candidate – there's attention to detail, a faultless dining experience; sharp, slick and delicious. It's cooking and service at highest level that doesn't take itself too seriously.
"Nathan Outlaw in Cornwall, who is sourcing and supporting local, sustainable, seasonal produce, with a focus on reducing waste, is using ingredients from the sea and surrounding Cornish area, so his restaurants should perhaps receive a green star to accompany their red star.
"A star is a must at Launceston Place in London and well-deserved for Ben Murphy, the National Chef of the Year title holder.
"I predict two stars for Solstice by Kenny Atkinson in Newcastle. Tallow near Tunbridge Wells in Kent is a dark horse, so a star perhaps for that too; and a green star for Chantelle Nicholson at Apricity in London."
Green Michelin stars in the UK & Ireland >>
One-Michelin-starred restaurants in London >>
Two-Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK & Ireland >>
