25th January saw the unveiling of The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2021: a celebration of the hard work and tenacity of those in the hotel and restaurant industry. Four talented individuals won awards under the following categories:
• Welcome and Service
• Sommelier
• Chef Mentor
• Young Chef of the Year
The award for Welcome and Service is sponsored by Lavazza Italian Coffee. It was won by Saul McConnell from Noble restaurant in Holywood, Northern Ireland.
As you make your way up the stairs past the kitchen to this neighbourhood restaurant, you hear the buzz of contented diners – and that’s Noble in a nutshell! It’s not the biggest of restaurants, nor the most fancy, but it’s run with such passion by its two talented young owners, and the locals love it.
Pearson Morris and Saul McConnell decided to join forces and open Noble in 2016, with the aim of creating a restaurant that they would want to eat in themselves. As well as quality food and sensible prices, the other part of that vision was stand-out service – and this enthusiastic pair have most certainly achieved what they set out to do.
Saul is in charge of the room and he warmly welcomes guests as if they are old friends coming into his house. Menus are proffered, suggestions are made and food arrives quickly. Nothing is too much trouble and smiles are ready and genuine.
Bib Gourmand • Inspectors’ favourites for good value
The talented kitchen, headed up by Pearson Morris, were awarded a Bib Gourmand in the MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2018 and have held it every year since for their confidently cooked dishes which showcase local ingredients in unfussy combinations.
Dishes like Portavogie prawn pil pil and chocolate delice are not only delicious but also great value; another aspect of this restaurant which ensures a steady stream of customers through the door.
Noble is a place with personality; the sort of restaurant everyone would like to have on their doorstep and its relaxed atmosphere and warm service are an integral reason why. As one of the Michelin Inspectors commented, “I could happily eat here every week”.
This year, the guide is being published in a digital format only, both on our website (UK and Republic of Ireland) and via the iOS app.
Quick links to:
All Michelin Stars in the UK / Republic of Ireland
All Michelin Bib Gourmands in the UK / Republic of Ireland
All Michelin Plates in the UK / Republic of Ireland
