Michelin Guide 2026 Sees Ten UK Restaurants Lose Stars or Close
The prestigious Michelin Guide has announced its 2026 awards, with ten restaurants across the UK and Ireland disappearing from the list. The ceremony, held in Dublin, celebrated numerous culinary achievements but also highlighted setbacks for several establishments. Two restaurants lost their coveted Michelin stars, while eight others closed permanently, reflecting ongoing challenges in the hospitality sector.
Restaurants Losing Michelin Stars
Among the notable losses, The Bridge Arms in Kent saw its star removed just ten months after first earning the accolade in 2021. The gastropub, originally run by Dan and Natasha Smith, was relaunched last summer by Elliot Smith and Michelin-starred chef David Gadd with a more casual menu. Similarly, Humo in London's Mayfair lost its star following the departure of executive chef Miller Prada in January. This wood-fired restaurant, which opened in 2023, combines seasonal British produce with Japanese techniques, offering a six-course dining experience priced at £160 per person.
Closures Amid Hospitality Challenges
The other eight restaurants that vanished from the guide have shut down, facing a difficult climate for the hospitality industry. Rising business rates and increased staff costs due to national insurance changes have contributed to these closures. One prominent example is Claude Bossi's two-starred restaurant at Bibendum in South Kensington, which closed in August last year after a disagreement with the landlord. In a statement on Instagram, Bossi and his wife Lucy expressed gratitude for support but noted an inability to reach a resolution with partners.
New Additions to the Michelin Guide
Despite these losses, the 2026 guide welcomed several new stars. Notable winners include Clare Smyth's Corenucopia in London, serving British classics, and Ambassadors Clubhouse in Mayfair, focusing on Punjabi cuisine. Other new one-star recipients include Fifty Two in Harrogate, offering an immersive dining experience with prices up to £190 per person, and Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling in Newquay, featuring a hyper-local tasting menu. Additionally, two new two-star restaurants were recognized: Row on 5 and Bonheur by Matt Abé, both in London.
Evolution of the Michelin Guide
The Michelin Guide, founded in the early 1900s to assist motorists, has undergone significant changes to stay relevant. Traditionally awarding up to three stars, the guide now faces competition from food influencers and online reviewers, who can quickly popularize restaurants. To adapt, Michelin has introduced a green star for sustainability and expanded into new countries, including plans for India. This shift comes as diners increasingly seek diverse dining options beyond fine dining, and some chefs, like Marco Pierre White, have renounced stars due to pressure.
The 2026 awards underscore the dynamic nature of the culinary world, where recognition can boost reputations but also highlight the economic pressures facing the hospitality industry.
