The 2015 Michelin Guide is out, but what does it mean to those jumping into the one star category? The Staff Canteen spoke to some of the winning chefs about what it means to them to receive a Michelin star.
Jason Atherton may not be a newcomer to the guide as
City Social, London, today became his third Michelin starred restaurant, but he’s still proud of the latest addition to his star collection.
City Social only opened its doors four months ago and Jason said: “A Michelin star is an incredible accomplishment and I am so proud of all my teams. There is no doubt that we will be opening a few bottles of Champagne at the restaurants tonight.”
Head chef at City Social, Paul Walsh, added: “I am totally over the moon, it is so great to get recognition for all the hard work and long hours we have put in to making City Social a success. A huge thanks to all my team for this incredible achievement.”
Staying in London,
James Knappett from Kitchen Table at Bubbledogs, said: “I’m Buzzing off my tits! So proud of the team, our suppliers and all the guests and work colleagues who have supported us.”
Moving to Wales and the luxury country house hotel Ynyshir Hall. It’s had a double celebration this
week after also winning AA Hotel of the Year at the Hospitality Awards in London on Monday. Head chef Gareth Ward who has only been at the Ynyshir for 14 months, was struggling for words after receiving the news they had landed a Michelin star.
He said: “It’s unbelievable – we’re so shocked. There had been talk about it but we definitely weren’t expecting it. We’ve had an amazing year, everyone’s put a lot of hard work in and this is the best recognition for that. There really are no words for what it means to us all – it’s just brilliant.”
He added: “I definitely want to push for a second star so I’ll have to speak to the owners about what we will do next.”
Also on the list released this morning was the Treby Arms in Devon. Head chef Anton Piotrowski is currently in Germany cooking for the returning troops from Afghanistan, but a tweet sent by @antonpiotrowsk1 this morning said: “@MichelinGuideUK wow! @thetrebyarms never thought a star would make me cry like a baby! So proud. Currently cooking for the returning troops!”
After the initial emotions settled, Anton added: “I never thought a Michelin star would bring me to tears! I have an amazing wife and team, who I love dearly. They are all my stars! Thanks Michelin, it's a dream come true."
He may not have received a star up North but Simon Rogan still managed to bag one in London with Fera at Claridge’s. Simon told the staff canteen today ‘was a bitter sweet day’.
He said: “I’m delighted for the team at Fera but I would have loved The French to have gained a star too. Going forward I’ll be looking to maintain and improve the quality in all my operations. I want to move them forward – that’s what inspires me.”
Read about what gaining or losing a star means to the chefs and their team here as well as what you, our readers, make of the stars.
What are your reactions to this news, who do you think deserves to have a star or are there any that you think just don't deserve to have a star at all? Let us know over on our Facebook or Twitter page @canteentweets.
