Do you live in a new Michelin star hotspot?
As Great Britain and Ireland’s new entries to the 2025 Michelin Guide are announced, we take a look at the areas - and properties - where the winning restaurants are on your doorstep
On Monday 10th February, the UK’s culinary stars gathered in Glasgow as the Michelin Guide unveiled its much-anticipated restaurant selection for Great Britain and Ireland for 2025. Now marking its 125th year, the guide had humble, and rather unusual, beginnings. What started as a small red book by the famous tyre company containing handy tips for travellers soon expanded to include more detailed listings of restaurants, along with its famed ranking system of up to 3 stars. In the centuries since it has become an arbiter of taste for the fine dining world with influence - and mystery inspectors - across the globe.
Its impact, too, can be seen in the regional areas which have been highly awarded. The tranquil riverside parish of Bray in Berkshire has become synonymous with its stars, punching well above its geographical weight with 2 out of the 10 restaurants in Great Britain that hold 3 stars, including the Waterside Inn which now celebrates 40 years holding this title.
The area has long appealed with its historic charm, close-knit community and prime position on the River Thames, however its fine dining has put it on the map across the world. “Bray undeniably has a certain cachet because of its restaurants,” says Alex Hancock, an Associate at Knight Frank’s office in the area. He notes that the arrival of new Michelin stars to an area can have a positive impact on the local property market, while in well-established spots such as Bray it further reinforces its appeal. “We have a lot of interest, including from overseas buyers, many of whom are complete foodies and will hone in specifically on the area,” he adds.
There’s also the convenience factor of having a concentration of the world’s finest dining at your fingertips. Desirable properties such as this 2-bedroom house put you within an easy stroll of both the Waterside Inn and Heston Blumenthal’s two ventures, the Hinds Head and the Fat Duck.
London’s new wave
This year’s awards saw Mark Birchall’s Moor Hall in Aughton anointed the latest 3-star addition to the guide, with a further 3 restaurants newly awarded 2 Michelin stars, along with 22 new 1-star establishments. The capital’s status on the international scene remains strong, with Shoreditch’s Plates London notably becoming the first fully plant-based restaurant in Great Britain and Ireland to receive a Michelin star. It speaks to the pioneering and vibrant atmosphere of the neighbourhood, with properties such as this modern 2-bedroom apartment positioning you at the heart of the action.
Notting Hill is similarly renowned for its dynamic dining scene with the latest Michelin arrival being Caractère, spearheaded by Emily Roux (the new generation of the famed dining dynasty) and Diego Ferrari. It finds itself in good company surrounded by the likes of CORE by Clare Smyth, Dorian and The Ledbury, with this 3-bedroom apartment tucked away in a peaceful corner just moments away.
This year’s guide has proven that there’s still plenty of innovation within the stalwarts of London’s gastronomic landscape. Over in Mayfair, the Ritz Restaurant, headed up by the renowned John Williams MBE, was one of two London restaurants newly crowned 2 stars, alongside Soho’s Japanese-inspired Humble Chicken. New 1 stars include Dosa, dishing up refined Korean fare from the basement of the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair hotel, and Jason Atherton’s latest flagship offering Row on 5 on Savile Row.
For those looking to place themselves on the doorstep of these incredible dining spots, spectacular properties range from a contemporary 3-bedroom apartment with on-site amenities to a gorgeous Grade II-listed Georgian house in St James’s Place. Meanwhile in nearby Westminster is the rare opportunity to live in the same building as the now 1-star restaurant at Raffles London from the acclaimed Mauro Colagreco, with the OWO Residences offering an unparalleled experience with best-in-class services and exceptional private facilities.
Ones to watch
Up in the Scottish capital Edinburgh’s number of 1 stars now totals 7, thanks to the addition of elegant seafood restaurant Lyla and Avery, which saw American chef Rodney Wages make the journey from San Francisco to set up in a Georgian townhouse in Stockbridge. After all, who could resist the charm of the city’s classic period buildings, with this beautifully refurbished 5-bedroom home for sale on nearby Melville Street a prime example.
Another UK city leading the pack is Bristol, with Wilsons bringing its total of 1-star establishments up to 5. This small, independent bistro is a favourite in the leafy neighbourhood of Redland, with this impressive Victorian family home around the corner from its plethora of dining options. The restaurant impressed not only with its simple yet elegant dishes, but a pioneering approach to sustainability that earned it a Michelin green star too.
Head east to Esher in Surrey and chef Nick Beardshaw’s Starling has similarly been awarded for its seemingly straightforward menu pulled off with refinement and skill; this modern detached home puts you in easy reach of the many attractions of the high street. The North of England continues its moment in the spotlight, too. Skof, from former L’Enclume Executive Chef Tom Barnes, has gained recognition as a welcome addition to Manchester’s growing gastronomic pedigree.
Meanwhile Forge, which makes the most of the seasonal produce found on the Middleton Lodge Estate on which it resides, adds to North Yorkshire’s impressive tally. A short drive away you’ll find this 3-bedroom home that’s part of a Grade I listed 15th-century residence in Brough Park estate, the perfect base to enjoy not only the area’s fine dining but its breathtaking countryside too.
