Two Scottish restaurants awarded new Michelin Stars - as 2023 UK Guide announced

Published 27th Mar 2023
Updated 28 th Mar 2023

The new Michelin Stars for 2023 were announced at the first in-person event for three years.

The 2023 Michelin Guide sees 20 new restaurants awarded one star, which shows that the restaurant is considered “very good in its category”, has a quality menu and prepares cuisine to a consistently high standard.

There were three new two stars and no new three stars.

Of the new one stars for the 2023 Michelin Guide, two were in Scotland and include: Heron and Timberyard, both in Edinburgh.

Timberyard is owned and operated by the Radford family - Ben, Jo, Abi, Andrew and Lisa - who are all actively involved in the day-to-day operations.

Commenting on Timberyard’s first Michelin Star award, Ben Radford, said: “The entire Timberyard team is delighted and couldn’t be more proud of such a tremendous achievement.

“Timberyard has always aimed to be at the forefront of both Scottish and British dining. The Michelin Star gives Jimmy and our team the recognition they deserve.

"The award also helps to firmly establish Timberyard’s place at the highest level of the country’s fine dining scene. 

“To be included amongst great Edinburgh and national restaurants such as Martin Wishart’s and Lyles in London is a huge honour.”

Jo Radford, added: “The Radford family and the entire team have always strived to achieve great things at Timberyard and the family always believed in what we were capable of.

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"With Jimmy coming on board as the final piece of the puzzle, we have now achieved the ultimate accolade and we couldn’t be more delighted.

“Thanks to the trust and loyalty of our team, as well as the passion and professionalism they have shown, we’re also extremely lucky to be celebrating our 10th anniversary in 2023, having survived some challenging obstacles along the way.

"Of course, we would not be where we are today without our loyal local and international supporters.

“Our standards have always been set high, and our ethos and sourcing has remained the same since day one.”

Timberyard’s Head Chef, Jimmy Murray, said:  “It’s such a fantastic feeling for all involved to have been awarded our first Michelin Star. This has been so energising for me personally and I really look forward to our next exciting chapter.”

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Heron, which opened in 2021 is run by Sam Yorke and Tomas Gormley, who are just 25 and 28 years old.

On their win Sam said: “To say that I’m delighted would be an understatement. It means a great deal to be recognised by such a prestigious organisation for our work at Heron.

"It’s a real testament to the unwavering focus and dedication of the entire team, without whom we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

Tomas added: “If you had asked me two years ago, when Sam and I sat down to start planning our pop-up Bad Seeds, I would never have imagined this happening.

"This is a huge achievement for everyone, and I am so grateful that we get to go on this journey with them.”

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The new awards brings the number of stars in Scotland to 12, and they are: Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Condita, The Peat Inn, The Kitchin, The Cellar, Cail Bruich, Restaurant Martin Wishart, Loch Bay, Glenturret Lalique, Unalome by Graeme Cheevers.

The Michelin Guide was created in 1900 by Andre and Edourd Michelin, the founders of the Michelin tyre company. It wasn’t until 1926 the guide began to award stars to fine dining establishments, starting with one star only.

michelin Stars scotland

After five years, the addition of two and three stars were included in the guide, which went global during the rest of the 20th century.

The stars represent a high quality of food and whether the restaurant is worth a journey. According to Michelin, one star is reflective of a very good restaurant in its category.

Two stars show excellent cooking that’s worth a detour and three stars are awarded for exceptional cuisine that’s worth a special journey.

Earlier this year the inspectors revealed new additions to the guide, which doesn't just list the restaurant with stars. Within that there were a few new additions in Scotland including Amuse in Aberdeen, The Boath House in Nairn and Shucks in Glasgow.

Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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