Some of Yorkshire's finest chefs have been among many to be served up some brilliant news today.
Today, 16th February, is undoubtably one of the biggest dates in the culinary calendar. The list of Michelin-starred restaurants in the 2022 Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland is announced and it is always sure to have chefs and restauranteurs alike watching on. No formal ceremony again this year amidst all the coronavirus restrictions, instead Michelin decided to announce the new stars on their Twitter. I suspect this might have ruffled the odd feather, but I’m sure those who saw the words ‘wins a star’ pop up on their feed will be celebrating whatever!
Here are the ‘stars of Yorkshire’ 2022 all recognised by their shining ‘one star’.
The Pipe and Glass Inn near Beverley in East Yorkshire, where they also have luxury boutique bedrooms for that overnight treat. This destination restaurant offers luxurious county pub décor, beautiful countryside and a modern take on traditional Yorkshire fare, showcasing the best this beautiful region has to offer. It’s a while since I visited but here is my review, I’m sure it’s just as delicious?
The Black Swan at Oldstead, a tranquil cosy countryside inn, tucked away in the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors. This is where Tommy Banks creates his stunning Michelin starred tasting menus with a taste of his local farm produce from North Yorkshire. And there are gorgeous rooms to relax for an overnight retreat. This must be one of my all-time favourites for any special celebration.
Roots, in the heart of York, is Tommy Banks’ second restaurant, serving small plates of his beloved ingredients from the family farm in airy, relaxed and bright surroundings. They are currently offering ‘Fine Dining in a Box’ so I can’t wait to have one delivered……be warned there is a waiting list!
The Man Behind the Curtain, in the centre of Leeds, where chef Michael O’Hare conjures up a riot of cutting-edge dishes. The restaurant is above Flannels clothes store and promises views over the city rooftops and the menu throws down lots of boundary-smashing gauntlets. I can’t wait to visit what promises to be performance art!
The Angel at Hetton, is the centrepiece of this Yorkshire Dales village near Skipton. It is under the leadership of Michael Wignall who has restored the oldest gastropub in Britain with a history that harks back to the fifteenth century. He runs a number of menus, not just the à la carte menu but also a tasting menu, vegetarian menu and Sunday lunch menu.
Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, near Ripon, is one of four restaurants at this ultra-luxurious Yorkshire hotel. Grantley Hall has impressive grounds, not only provides a stunning backdrop to meals here but also play host to a dedicated kitchen garden, where many of both vegetables and herbs on the menu are grown. Rankins’s love of low-mile ingredients also shines through in his use of organic meats from local farms and sustainably caught seafood from the Yorkshire coast. I’ve had afternoon tea here but not experienced their fine dining, yet!
The Star Inn at Harome, near Helmsley. The restaurant is currently closed due to a fire last November which destroyed the lovely old fashioned and thatched dining room and pub. Once repairs are completed, it will be back to its former glory. I 've visited a couple of times and was always impressed - here.
I don't know about you, but these new awards for 2022 give me some warmth in these new times, that hopefully soon I can get dates in my diary and eat out once again at the best places Yorkshire has to offer......and there are many more restaurants, cafes and delis to explore this year.
Just keep hope in your heart.