The Michelin guide Great Britain & Ireland 2011 celebrates its 100th anniversary

By Dan Coman on January 26th 2011

The MICHELIN guide Great Britain & Ireland 2011 celebrates its 100th anniversary

The first Michelin guide to the British Isles was published in 1911, with the aim of helping intrepid motorists on their travels. It was dark blue and largely instructional in nature, with information on road quality and how to change a tyre, as well as details on hotels and repair shops for the inevitable breakdowns. Five editions were initially published, with a break for the First World War, followed by from 1922 to 1930. The current Great Britain & Ireland guide was launched in 1974 and has been published every year since.

In 2011, the guide continues to respond to the needs of its readers. It recommends a large and diverse selection of hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and pubs in all price categories and across every region of the UK and Ireland. The 1911 guide pointed out amenities such as central heating or electric light but in 2011 is more likely to highlight outstanding cooking and exceptional wine lists.

Highlights in this year’s Guide include two new two-star restaurants, one with a French female chef and the other with a home-grown English chef at the helm: Hélène Darroze at The Connaught in London and Nathan Outlaw in Rock, Cornwall. Included in the list of new one stars is the Pony & Trap in Chew Magna, highlighting the fact that some of the best cooking can be found in our pubs. London continues to show off its diversity: new stars include the delicate, playful cooking of Viajante and the vibrant natural flavours found at Petersham Nurseries Café, its bucolic setting contrasting nicely with the ornate surroundings of Galvin La Chapelle, another recipient of a star.

The MICHELIN guide Great Britain & Ireland 2011 will be available in bookshops from Wednesday 19 January, priced at £15.99 (€18.99 in Ireland).

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