Special awards announced for Michelin 2023 Great Britain and Ireland

Five special awards have been handed out at the Michelin Great Britain and Ireland presentation ceremony at the Silverstone Circuit in Northampton, which is the first in-person event held by the guide in the UK in three years.

The Michelin Service Award was presented to Declan Maxwell, of Spitalfields, Dublin with the Michelin inspectors saying: "Declan's aim is to make everyone feel truly genuinely welcome and his passion for his pub is unwavering.

Former general manager of the Waterside Inn Bray, Diego Masciaga, who presented the award said: "It was his mission to bring hospitality and service to young people working to help them to understand it is not just a job, it is a real profession. Waiters are there to give guests a beautiful journey, all restaurateurs need the choregoraphy of a service to make it perfect."

The winner of the 2023 Michelin Sommelier Award was presented to Tara Ozols of SO/LA, London. The inspectors were impressed by the great wine list and her delightful personality. Ozols commented: "I want to make people feel comfortable. It is all about the guest experience for me."

The Michelin Sommelier award was presented by co-owner and Master Sommelier Isa Bal at Trivet Restaurant who won the award in 2022 and said: "Understanding people is the most important attribute for a sommelier and working in a team environment, giving a good experience but also to look after the interest of the business."

A final special award - the Michelin 2023 Cocktail Award was awarded to Makis Kazanis, of Park Chinois, London.

Meanwhile, the mentor chef award went to Michael Deane, of Eipic in Belfast, and the young chef award Sarah Hayward at the Coach in Marlow.