Michelin Pubs Guide 2016: pub scene going "from strength to strength"
She said: "The pub scene in the UK is going from strength to strength with more and more chefs embracing high-quality ingredients and using them to offer their customers a truly unique menu and dining experience.
"What has been very impressive this year is the number of pubs we're seeing expanding their repertoire and offering more than just a lunch or dinner service. For instance, afternoon tea is now on the menu at quite a few pubs around the UK, something that was relatively unheard of in a pub setting a few years ago.
Michelin Pubs Guide editor:
What has been very impressive this year is the number of pubs we're seeing expanding their repertoire
New concepts
"Introducing new concepts, while still providing a hearty and tasty lunch or dinner option, means patrons can enjoy a high standard of food coupled with a fantastic dining experience - whether it's a full three-course meal they're after or something more light," she added.
60 new pubs have been added to Michelin’s new Eating Out in Pubs Guide 2016, which was released today (Friday, 30 October), bringing the total of listed sites to 590 – including the 14 that currently hold Michelin stars and 40 with Bib Gourmands.
Notable new entrants include Tom Kerridge's the Coach, Marlow, which was also given a Bib Gourmand, Jon Rotherham and Tom Harris's the Marksman, Hackney and Neil Rankin's second Smokehouse site in Chiswick.
Recognised
Christian Townsley, co-director of North Bar group site the Cross Keys, Leeds, another new addition, said: "It's great to see that pubs over the country are being recognised for providing the quality food and service diners demand."
The Butchers Arms, Eldersfield, Gloucester, was last week named as Michelin’s Pub of the Year 2016.
And although no new pubs won Michelin stars earlier this year when the UK Michelin Guide was released, four were awarded Bib Gourmands.
