The Ledbury awarded three stars in Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2024

The Ledbury in London has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2024.

Eighteen new one-star restaurants and six new two-star restaurants were announced at the ceremony at Manchester's Midland hotel on 5 February.

There were no new stars for Manchester, despite speculation that the guide's decision to hold the ceremony in the city meant it would be in line for more recognition.

The Ledbury reopened in early 2022 after a two-year hiatus and was awarded two stars in the 2023 edition of the guide.

Brett Graham, chef-owner of the Notting Hill restaurant, said he was "blown away" to win three-stars and that it was "an amazing surprise".

All eight of the other three-star restaurants in Great Britain and Ireland retained their awards this year.

The six new two-star restaurants included Aktar Islam's Opheem in Birmingham, the Glenturret Lalique in Crieff, and Terre in Castlemartyr.

The three other new two-star restaurants, all of which were in London, were Indian restaurant Gymkhana, Jonny Lake and Isa Bal's Trivet, and Brooklands, the restaurant opened by Claude Bosi at London's Peninsula London hotel last year.

In an emotional speech, Islam said: "It's incredible to achieve this. My journey started 31 years ago when I got kicked out of school. It just goes to show what this industry can give someone with no prospects. Anyone that says this industry has no future or opportunities, I'm proof that it's bullshit."

The one-star restaurants were presented with their awards by Michel Roux, who received a special award following the closure of Le Gavroche.

One-star recipients included Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai in Brampton, Cumbria, Dan Cox's Crocadon in St Mellion, Saltash, and West African restaurants Akoko and Chishuru, both in London.

There were no new stars for Wales, though the country secured two new Michelin green stars for sustainability.

The ceremony also marked the 50th anniversary of the first publication of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland.

Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, said: "This is much more than just a symbolic milestone. It is for all of us at the Michelin Guide a tremendous source of joy and pride.

"I hope that the next 50 years are as full of brilliant discoveries and experiences as the first 50. With the passing of this anniversary, the guide enters its second half century, which looks very exciting for British and Irish gastronomy."

He said inspectors had been aware of the difficulties facing restaurants over the past year.

"Of course, 2023 and the beginning of 2024 have not been an easy time for the industry," Poullennec added.

"The inspectors have noticed the many challenges that restaurants are facing. However, the number of quality restaurants added to the selection reflect how positively the country's chefs and restaurateurs are dealing with these challenges."

New three stars

The Ledbury, London, England

New two stars

Gymkhana, London, England

Brooklands, London, England

Trivet, London, England

Opheem, Birmingham, England

Terre, Castlemartyr, Republic of Ireland

The Glenturret Lalique, Crieff, Scotland

New one star

Myse, Hovingham, England

Mountain, London, England

1890 by Gordon Ramsay at the Savoy hotel, London, England

Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai, Brampton, England

Pavyllon London, London, England

Dorian, London, England

Humo, London, England

Crocadon, St Mellion, England

Akoko, London, England

Lake Road Kitchen, Ambleside, England

Sushi Kanesaka, London, England

Humble Chicken, London, England

Ormer Mayfair, London, England

Aulis, London, England

Chishuru, London, England

Homestead Cottage, Doolin, Republic of Ireland

The Bishop's Buttery at Cashel Palace hotel, Cashel, Republic of Ireland

D'Olier Street, Dublin, Republic of Ireland