It’s that time again – the last Wednesday of the month – when we reveal some of the Michelin Inspectors’ favourite new additions to the Great Britain & Ireland Guide ahead of the annual launch event. These restaurants feature on both the website and the app – and they’re easy to spot as they’re highlighted by a ‘New’ symbol.
The annual MICHELIN Guide distinctions for 2022 – Stars, Bib Gourmands and Green Stars – will be unveiled at the annual launch ceremony as usual. But you never know – they might include some of these newly recommended restaurants, so why not try them now before reservations become even harder to secure?
This month we are pleased to share 10 of our favourite new additions. These restaurants truly represent the great variety and choice available to those who love eating out.
Mae
Dublin
Experienced chef Gráinne O'Keefe’s first solo venture is found in the busy Ballsbridge area of the city above the French Paradox wine shop (and is a collaboration with its owners). It makes sense therefore to go for the well-priced wine pairings to accompany the set price menu. Modern, boldly flavoured dishes are produce-led and have an Irish theme: some are homely and comforting, while others are more elaborate and eye-catching. Friendly, efficient service completes the picture.
Spry
Edinburgh
This proudly run neighbourhood wine bar and bottle shop specialises in naturally produced, organic wines, and the whole list is available to enjoy in-house. They also serve sensibly priced seasonal small plates which are fresh and full of flavour.Take your pick from dishes like monkfish stew with fermented fava beans or Jersey Royals with dill aioli & pickled red onion, which sit alongside charcuterie and cheeses on the appealing menu.
OSMA
Manchester
The name OSMA is a nod to the owners’ birthplaces – Sofie is from OSlo and Danielle, from MAnchester. It’s in the city’s northern suburbs and is a smart, modern place, laid out in an L-shape, with an open kitchen, a communal island table and smart curved banquettes.A concise breakfast menu is followed by salads and open sandwiches, while in the evening it’s all about tempting, well-priced small plates.
Cooking is fresh and tasty with a modern British style; around 4 plates per person makes a great meal to share.
Imad's Syrian Kitchen
Soho – London
The former site of Darjeeling Express is now home to this contagiously fun and instantly likeable restaurant offering authentic Middle Eastern flavours. The life and times of Imad, the eponymous owner, would make a great movie and his eagerness to please underpins the whole restaurant.The generous pricing also allows for unabashed over-ordering of the sharing plates and, whether it’s a lamb or a vegetarian dish, they never fail to hit the spot.
Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen
Dublin
Having made his name and reputation at The Greenhouse, Finnish-born chef Mickael Viljanen has moved north of the Liffey and now has his name above the door here at Chapter One.He’s taken over the kitchen from Ross Lewis – recipient of our Chef Mentor award in 2021 – who remains a partner in the business. The cooking focuses on prime ingredients and uses classic French techniques to create dishes that offer bold and sometimes quite daring flavour combinations. If you want to see it all up close, then book the Chef’s Table in the kitchen.
Fish & Forest
York
A relative newcomer to the York dining scene, Fish & Forest started as a pop-up before settling down in its current location. Split over two rooms, it’s a long, narrow place, with rustic, minimalist, almost industrial-style décor.The self-taught chef-owner promotes a strong sustainable ethos, using every part of his ingredients to create a constantly evolving menu which produces very little waste.
Fish comes from small boats, meats are reared putting husbandry first and game is from local shoots. Any leftovers are turned into ferments, sauces and stocks.
Hollist Arms
Lodsworth
This pretty stone pub sits in an equally picturesque village and its simple, pared-down interior has a vintage, shabby-chic vibe. If there are more sunny days, then head for the terrace – although be quick, as it’s a popular spot.Cooking has a straightforward, unfussy style and is rooted in the classics, although you’ll also find some Mediterranean overtones. The appealing, well-executed dishes burst with flavour and, while the daily menu is concise, it covers a good range of dishes and offers great value.
Stock
Belfast
Local chef Danny Millar’s latest venture is a spacious, buzzy brasserie which oozes charm and character. It’s set on the first floor of the delightful covered Victorian Market, and tables on the ‘terrace’ overlooking the stalls are a real draw.Sourdough pizzas are available at lunch, while the main menu offers carefully cooked classic dishes like traditional Irish crubeens, côte de boeuf with ‘proper’ chips or whole market fish on the bone.
FENN
Fulham - London
Having made a success of Nest in Shoreditch, the three university friends behind it headed west for their second venture. FENN is a cute little neighbourhood bistro, with a covered terrace perfect for those keen to make the most of the dying embers of summer.As with their first restaurant, sourcing ingredients in an ethical, sustainable way is the cornerstone of their operation. The tasting menus include one that’s vegetarian and the wines are from low-intervention producers.
Thames Lido
Reading
Beside the Thames in a city centre park, you’ll find this early Edwardian Ladies Swimming Baths; a sympathetic restoration has given it a lovely style, where the contemporary sits alongside the vintage.Sit back and watch the brave swimmers through the floor-to-ceiling windows of its smart, contemporary restaurant or poolside terrace while enjoying hearty, boldly flavoured dishes of classic Mediterranean and North African heritage.
Choose either from the tapas menu or the à la carte; dishes are delivered by a charming team.
