Michelin Guide 2021: 23 restaurants awarded green stars for 'sustainable gastronomy'

Michelin has awarded its green star for sustainable gastronomy to 23 restaurants in the Great Britain and Ireland Guide 2021.

 

Recipients include Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham (pictured); Inver in Strachur; Palé Hall, Llandderfel and Loam in Galway, which won the Sustainable Gastronomy award in 2019.

 

It is the first time the green star has featured in the local edition after debuting in the French 2020 guide last year.

 

The award recognises restaurants with a focus on environmental practices and is available to those which hold a Plate, Bib Gourmand or Star distinction.

 

Many work directly with growers, farmers and fishermen; forage in hedgerows and woodlands; and grow plants and rear animals.

 

Recipients were also recognised for taking steps to improve the quality of life of their staff and contributing to local, national or global charity and education projects.

 

Restaurant Sat Bains moved to a four-day week in 2015 to improve working conditions for its team and has collaborated with the University of Nottingham on sustainability initiatives.

 

Bains told The Caterer he was "delighted" with the award, adding: “We’ve been massive advocates of being green for a long time, whether that’s using well-sourced food, reducing energy, or shortening the working week, ensuring we continue to attract the best staff and retain them.

 

"Amanda and I took a leap of faith closing the restaurant three days a week and its meant we’re able to offer world-class working conditions and still offer a world-class level of food and service. “

 

Some chefs have previously questioned how the green star is audited, but Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, said restaurants were selected by inspectors "based on their fieldwork", as well as "complimentary researchers and exchanges with the chefs".

 

He added: “These restaurants are not only an inspiration for the industry but also all the readers and users of the Michelin Guide.”

 

The green stars for 2021 are as follows:

 

England

 

Angela's, Margate

 

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Great Milton, Oxfordshire

 

Black Swan, Oldstead, York

 

Coombeshead Farm, Lewannick, Launceston

 

Daylesford Organic Farm, Daylesford, Moreton-in-Marsh

 

Hypha, Chester

 

L'Enclume, Cartmel, Cumbria

 

New Yard, Trelowarren, Helston

 

Oxo Tower Brasserie, Southwark, London

 

Petersham Nurseries Café, Richmond, London

 

Restaurant Sat Bains, Nottingham

 

River Cottage Kitchen, Axminster

 

Silo, Hackney, London

 

The Dining Room – Whatley Manor, Malmesbury

 

The Ethicurean, Wrington, Bristol

 

The Small Holding, Kilndown, Kent

 

Tredwells, Strand and Covent Garden, London

 

Where the Light Gets In, Stockport

 

Scotland

 

Inver, Strachur

 

Wales

 

Henry Robertson - Palé Hall, Llandderfel

 

Republic of Ireland

 

Inis Meáin Restaurant and Suites, Inishmaan, Aran Islands

 

Kai, Galway

 

Loam, Galway