The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2026 has been unveiled, with new stars, sustainability awards and Bib Gourmands shining a spotlight on standout restaurants across the South East.
A favourite for foodies around the world, the annual Michelin Guide Ceremony revealed Great Britain & Ireland’s top restaurants at the Convention Centre in Dublin on Monday 9th February 2026 – with some standout stars here, in the South East.
Round & About highlights everything from Michelin and Green Stars to Bib Gourmands, as well as those retaining their coveted distinctions.
New Michelin Star restaurants for 2026
And one new Michelin star has been awarded in the South East for 2026…
Translating to ‘tide’ in Portuguese, Maré by Rafael Cagali is the first restaurant in Brighton and Hove to hold a Michelin Star for almost 50 years.
From the acclaimed chef behind London’s Da Terra – which earned its second Michelin star in 2021 – the venue offers sleek, modern interiors and draws on influences from Cagali’s Brazilian roots combined with forays into the Mediterranean, Mexico and Japan.
New Green Star restaurants for 2026
But that’s not all, with a restaurant in West Sussex winning a Green Star, too.
Green Stars recognise restaurants at the forefront of sustainable gastronomy — combining high-quality cooking with outstanding environmental practices.
This includes sourcing local, seasonal produce; reducing waste; and implementing ethical, environmentally responsible operations.
Housed in an 18th-century barn near Horsham, Knepp Wilding Kitchen has been recognised for “practices that are helping to shape the future of gastonomy”.
Located on the Knepp Estate, the venue’s ethos focuses on rewilding – letting nature nurture the land and encouraging biodiversity – which in turn drives the restaurant’s menus.
Each dish is an example of farm-to-table dining with meat coming from the surrounding estate, and vegetables are grown in the 2.5-acre Market Garden, which is certified organic.
New Bib Gourmand restaurants for 2026
Lastly are the Bib Gourmand’s. Named after Michelin’s Bibendum mascot, the awards were launched in 1997 to recognise restaurants outside the guide’s traditional fine-dining price bracket.
In 2019, this was specified as venues serving three courses for £30 or under, but Michelin now says there is “no set formula” to win a Bib.
Instead, restaurants must offer “good quality, good value cooking”.
New for 2026 is British Contemporary restaurant, The Oarsman, in Marlow.
A classic brick-and-timber exterior sets the tone for a market-town dining pub whose cooking delivers.
Starters span smoked salmon, The Oarsman fish soup, and warm roast roots; mains include Bavette steak, seared cod and Scottish sea trout; while those with a sweet tooth can choose from Basque cheesecake, warm ginger loaf and Ecclefechan tart.
Offering Modern British fare, The Yurt at Nicholsons, North Aston has also been awarded a Bib Gourmand.
Located inside a yurt at the Nicholsons Nursery and offering a unique dining experience, there’s a back-to-nature feel to the place, with some of the menu’s ingredients grown on site.
Working closely with local growers and artisans to offer fresh, sustainable produce, the dishes are packed with the bold, natural flavours – and both the pricing and the portions are generous.
Michelin Stars retained in 2026
Not forgetting those establishments which have retained their distinctions – a real demonstration of commitment and consistency.
In Berkshire, The Waterside Inn in Bray has retained its three Michelin Stars, while The Hind’s Head continues to hold one.
The Hand & Flowers in Marlow has remained at two stars.
The Nut Tree Inn at Murcott has retained its single star.
In Surrey, Latymer, Sorrel, Starling and The Tudor Pass have all retained one Michelin Star.
For more information, visit the Michelin Guide’s website.
