Manchester restaurant awarded ‘world-class’ Michelin recognition

Higher Ground, the fabulous restaurant in Manchester making waves across the country,  has secured the prestigious Bib Gourmand, making it one of the 20 new restaurants in the UK and Ireland to receive this accolade.

This recognition comes just ahead of the highly anticipated Michelin ceremony for Great Britain & Ireland scheduled for February 5th at the historic Midland Hotel.

It’s been a fabulous opening year for Higher Ground, which was recently shortlisted for the ‘Best New Restaurant’ award by The Good Food Guide and also named by Square Meal as one of the best new restaurants in the UK.

World class chef Rick Stein also named it as one of his favourite restaurants in the UK.

Most in Manchester will be hoping Higher Ground will be given a Michelin Star later this year too, to join Mana.

Higher Ground in the Michelin Guide

Named after Bibendum, the official Michelin Man mascot, the Bib Gourmand Award, created in 1997, is bestowed upon restaurants offering exceptional quality and value cooking.

They join The Sparrows and El Gato Negro as Greater Manchester restaurants who have previously scooped the award.

The Michelin Bib Gourmand award

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide, expressed joy at seeing 20 restaurants newly awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in the 2024 edition.

He highlighted the establishments’ commitment to providing affordable, delicious cooking amid challenging economic times.

Speaking to I Love MCR, he said: “It is a joy to see 20 restaurants newly awarded the Bib Gourmand in the 2024 edition of the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland.

“These are establishments that deserve recognition for their continued commitment to offering affordable, delicious cooking. The generosity and value for money they offer is wonderful to see during these challenging economic times for the restaurant industry.”

Here’s what the Michelin Guide said about Higher Ground

Here’s what the Michelin Guide had to say about Higher Ground: “What started life as a pop-up in 2020 is now a permanent spot in the heart of the city, owned and run by three friends who also operate wine bar Flawd and a market garden in the Cheshire countryside.

“The latter provides much of the top quality produce found on the menu, in dishes that are designed for sharing and packed with flavour.

“Sit at the large counter to see the chefs putting care and pride into every dish. The whole team, led by the owners, are charming and cheery.”

As the third Greater Manchester restaurant on the list, Higher Ground, which opened last February, is described by Michelin as “one of the new jewels in the city’s culinary crown.” Michelin praises its “great” value and the founding team’s provision of friendly service alongside a selection of flavoured small plates.

Higher Ground’s Michelin-Star background

Founded by three industry veterans who met in New York, Higher Ground evolved from a pop-up in the bungalow venue opposite the Gay Village.

After overcoming pandemic-related challenges, the founders went on to open Cinderwood Market Garden in Cheshire and Flawd in 2021, before establishing Higher Ground in Faulkner House last February.

Higher Ground prioritises seasonality, with daily-changing menus featuring seasonal vegetables from their farm in Cheshire.

Nominations and recognition in Manchester

This week, the Manchester Food & Drink Awards will be announced, with Higher Ground nominated in several categories, including Great Service, Newcomer, Restaurant of the Year, and Chef of the Year for Joseph Otway.

The full online listings will be updated on February 5th following The Michelin Guide Ceremony Great Britain & Ireland 2024, revealing new Michelin Stars, Green Stars, and Special Awards.

You can check out the full list by clicking here