Two London restaurants awarded three Michelin stars
Two female chefs have been awarded with the highest possible achievement
Two London restaurants have achieved the highest accolade at the 2021 Michelin guide for Great Britain and Ireland that was launched via an online event yesterday (25 January).
Headed by two female chefs, Clare Smyth and Hélène Darroze, the restaurants both received the maximum three stars, taking the total number of three Michelin star restaurants in Great Britain and Ireland to seven.
Situated in Notting Hill, Smyth’s restaurant Core was described as a “wonderfully discreet, elegant space”, fitting the West London backdrop to a tee.
The guide added: “Clare is one of Great Britain’s most gifted chefs and the strength of her kitchen lies in its ability to create modern dishes that deliver superb flavours and textures but in a restrained, understated style.”
Smyth called the award a “dream to achieve”, before adding that she hopes “young chefs – both male and female – have the chance to own a restaurant and achieve success” in future.
The Mayfair-based Hélène Darroze at The Connaught went from two to three stars following a two-month closure in 2019 that allowed the establishment to reopen with a “more contemporary look”.
Influenced by Darroze’s French routes, The Connaught was recognised for the upgrades to both its ambience and its cooking.
Acknowledging the duo of female award winners, Darroze told the Guardian: “I am thinking [of] all women in the kitchen and I want to let them know that… everything is possible and believe in who you are. Live your passion.”
