The Michelin Guide UK 2016 is out, (leaked early I gather, by an unnamed book shop) and we are delighted to learn that Michael O’Hare of Man Behind the Curtain has won a star after just one year in his idiosyncratic Leeds restaurant.
We like to think we spotted him early when he was putting carrots in plant pots, setting fire to alcohol trails on the pass and serving cocktails with every course at Blind Swine in York. It was new, crazy and bloody amazing. Boar Lane is more sophisticated, grown up and even more amazing.
The champagne must be flowing on Boar Lane. O’Hare has had a stellar week having won the north east strand of Great British Menu and now this. So congratulations to the raven haired chef of the silver boots and silver pinny, we’re thrilled for him and his team.
Other news from Michelin: The Old Vicarage in Sheffield loses its star, Mandy went last year and found a time warp restaurant and some very good food food www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
The remaining five all, retain their stars, so a lot of relieved sighs at The Box Tree, Ilkley; The Star at Harome; The Yorke Arms at Ramsgill; The Pipe and Glass, South Dalton; The Black Swan at Oldstead.
Bib Gourmands (Michelin speak for a good quality restaurant at a modest price) are retained by Prashad at Drighlington; Le Langhe, York, Vennell’s at Masham and a new addition: The Dunsforth at Lower Dunsforth.
We’re a bit sceptical about the Guide here at Squid, but we won’t bang on. It means a lot to the chef, brings in new punters and serves as a shorthand for a quality restaurant, so Congratulations all.