Michelin Guide UK 2023: 5 special awards presented at the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland 2023 live award event

The Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland has awarded 5 Special Awards winners, as Part of it's 2023 live awards ceremony

The guide announced 5 special awards at this year's physical awards ceremony.

It comes after the guide announced the list of Bib Gourmands for 2023 last week, with 20 restaurants recieveing the coveted accolade taking the total number of awardees to 144 restaurants across the UK.

After the last two digital-only launches, this year a physical gathering was organised to celebrate the new selection.

The event was held at Britain's famous Silverstone Circuit, bringing together chefs and professionals of the restaurant and hospitality industry, from across Great Britain and Ireland.

Michelin Guide Special Award Winners

• The Welcome & Service award was given to Declan Maxwell, Spitalfields in Dublin. 

The ‘Welcome & Service Award 2023’ goes to manager @Declanmaxwell and team @SpitalfieldsDub for their genuine, warm Irish hospitality #Dublin#MICHELINGuideGBI pic.twitter.com/wDojxpyra8

— The MICHELIN Guide (@MichelinGuideUK) March 27, 2023

Revealing the reasons behind their decision, the Guide said: "Ireland is known for its warm hospitality and this year’s award goes to someone who upholds and enhances that reputation. Whether a local in for pint, or a visitor coming for a 3-course dinner, Declan makes everyone feel genuinely welcome. His enthusiasm for this small but busy pub is unwavering and contagious."

• Next up, Tara Ozols of So|La in London received this year's Sommelier Award.

The ‘Sommelier Award 2023’ is given to the engaging Tara Ozols whose enthusiasm and expertise add so much to diners’ enjoyment @SOLAsoho#London #MICHELINGuideGBI pic.twitter.com/YDCbXZFl3m

— The MICHELIN Guide (@MichelinGuideUK) March 27, 2023

Highlighting Tara's extensive knowledge and in-depth expertise, the Guide said: "It isn’t just Tara’s expert knowledge of her intriguing all-American wine list, but also her delightful personality and the way she engages with her customers and judges their requirements so well that makes her the worthy recipient of this award."

• Makis Kazakis of Park Chinois was named winner of the Exceptional Cocktail Award.

Our inaugural ‘Cocktail Award’ 2023 goes to Makis Kazakis and his team at the glamorous @ParkChinois for their original creations that more than match the surroundings #Mayfair #MICHELINGuideGBI pic.twitter.com/UwxWHnWuvd

— The MICHELIN Guide (@MichelinGuideUK) March 27, 2023

Makis' win represents a first for the guide, with inspectors praising the creativity and skill of Britain's blossoming bartenders and they're delicious creations. 

Discussing the new win, the Guide said: "This new award goes to restaurant Park Chinois, in London, and its talented bar team led by Makis Kazakis. Behind the counters are professional and personable teams who prepare original creations, along with the classics, that are more than a match for the elegant surroundings."

The Young Chef award was given to Sarah Hayward, Head Chef of The Coach in Marlow.

The ‘Young chef award 2023’ goes to the tenacious, determined yet modest @sarahhayward91 head chef @TheCoachMarlow from @cheftomkerridge #Marlow #Buckinghamshire#MICHELINGuideGBI pic.twitter.com/3000MxAOOX

— The MICHELIN Guide (@MichelinGuideUK) March 27, 2023

Commenting on Sarah's win, the Guide said: "From her early days on the Isle of Wight, then rising through the ranks under Tom Kerridge, it has been impossible to ignore Sarah’s meteoric rise. She's tenacious, determined, modest and a great role model for any chef who dreams of progressing in the industry - she even found time to train for and run the London marathon last year!"

"We first noticed her at the Bull & Bear in Manchester and were delighted when we heard she had been made Head Chef of the Coach, in Marlow, which has maintained its Star in the 2023 guide," it added. 

• Michael Deane of Eipic received the Chef Mentor award.

We are very pleased to announce that this year’s recipient of the ‘Chef Mentor Award 2023’ is @MichaelDeane61 #Belfast #NorthernIreland#MICHELINGuideGBI pic.twitter.com/bmjRIMa7qS

— The MICHELIN Guide (@MichelinGuideUK) March 27, 2023

Explaining why Michael recieved the award, the Guide said: "Michael is never one to stand still, as his group of varied restaurants would testify. Many of the chefs who have passed through his kitchen owe him a debt for the skills, the values and the professionalism that he instilled in them. His name is synonymous with quality restaurants and he is a true figurehead in the industry.