Four pubs score Bib Gourmands
The list has been released ahead of the launch of the complete Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2023, which will reveal this year's starred restaurants, at the Northampton-based Silverstone racetrack on 27 March.
Named after Bibendum, the Michelin Man mascot, the Bib award was created in 1997 and is given to restaurants for "good quality, good value cooking".
The pubs recognised were the Blaise Inn in Bristol, the Queen of Cups in Glastonbury, Somerset, the Chequers in Bath, Somerset and the Pelican in Notting Hill, West London.
Raising a glass
Michelin Guides international director Gwendal Poullennec said the new establishments awarded Bib Gourmands were picked for their fine and generous cooking across a diverse range of styles, and for their good quality, good value cooking.
He continued: “As chefs in Great Britain & Ireland face rising day-to-day costs – from the raw ingredients they purchase to the energy they use to keep their kitchens and restaurants running – it is heartening to see many of them also finding inventive ways to create affordable menus and keep costs down for their guests, while still offering creative and exciting culinary experiences,”
The Chequers was praised by the Michelin Guide as a “popular pub” with its cooking possessing an “appealingly muscular quality”, whether that’s its Orkney scallops or Wiltshire pheasant.
Best of Britain
Guests could pick between elaborate dishes with international flavours and touches of originality or those of a more traditional bent, the Guide added, but said the homemade bread was always a must.
“Deliciously different,” was the Guide’s take on fellow Somerset inn the Queen of Cups. The 17th century site includes various seating areas and an outdoors courtyard.
Menus showcase West Country produce to curate Middle Eastern and Mediterranean small plates which “burst with flavour”, the Guide added.
What’s more, Blaise Inn, situated in Bristol’s suburbs near Blaise Castle, serves good value, traditional British dishes cooked with a modern approach. Personable service completes the picture, according to the Michelin spokesperson.
A flexible menu with sensible pricing serving “gutsy food with a British heart” is what the Pelican is all about, the Guide stated. Potted shrimp, beef & Guinness pie and mince on toast all feature on the Victorian pub’s menu.
New Bib Gourmand recipients for 2023
England
Blaise Inn, Bristol
COR, Bristol
Emilia, Ashburton
Evernight, London
Flint House, Brighton and Hove
Hām, London
Kushi-Ya, Nottingham
Marmo, Bristol
Plaza Khao Gaeng, London
Queen of Cups, Glastonbury
Root Wells, Wells
Six Bells, Witham on the Hill
The Chequers, Bath
The Galley, Topsham
The Pelican, London
The Spärrows, Manchester
Wales
Yr Hen Printworks, Cardigan
Northern Ireland
EDŌ, Belfast
Waterman, Belfast
Republic of Ireland
Saint Francis Provisions, Kinsale
