The announcement of this year's five Special Award winners comes ahead of the presentation of the Michelin Guide for Great Britain & Ireland 2022 tomorrow (16 February), and follows last week's Bib Gourmand reveal.
Other Special Award winners this year include Elystan Street chef patron Phil Howard, who received the Chef Mentor Award; Dale Dewsbury, general manager at Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, who picked up the Welcome & Service Award; and Trivet's Isa Bal, who was awarded the Sommelier Award.
For the first time ever, the Young Chef Award went to three chefs rather than just one, with the Selby brothers Luke, Nathaniel and Theo, who run intimate basement counter restaurant Evelyn’s Table, being jointly recognised by Michelin.
The Guide says: "There is a clear synergy to this team, who exude infectious enthusiasm, and passion seeps from every pore as they create and then describe each dish."
Aberystwyth restaurant SY23, which was launched back in 2019 by former Ynyshir chef Nathan Davies, was named Opening Of The Year, with Michelin saying it 'brings a breath of fresh air to this quaint seaside town in west Wales'.
"The open kitchen takes centre stage in the dining room, with the charcoal grill used to great effect throughout the nine-course menu, which sees original, modern dishes served to every guest at the same time," it says.
"European and Asian influences lead the way, and foraging, pickling and fermenting all play their part."
Michelin describes Howard as a 'chef’s chef, who doesn’t shout about his achievements'.
"The fact that he can still be found behind the stove demonstrates his passion and focus," it says.
Bal, former head sommelier at The Fat Duck, opened London Bridge restaurant Trivet in partnership with chef Johnny Lake and the pair continue to run it together.
Michelin says Trivet boasts wines from rarely seen regions such as Georgia, Armenia and Turkey – many of which are not featured elsewhere in the UK.
"But the classics are also well-represented," it continues. "And Isa skilfully suggests pairings from both."
