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Has a restaurant ever lost a Michelin star? What happened?

Mikeal Strowger

Yes, restaurants have lost Michelin stars in the past. The Michelin Guide is known for being quite strict and constantly pushing restaurants to maintain their high standards. In some cases, restaurants have lost their stars due to changes in ownership, poor management, a decrease in quality of food or service, or other factors that affect the overall dining experience.

One of the most famous examples of a restaurant losing a Michelin star is Le Suquet in Laguiole, France. In 2018, chef Sebastien Bras asked to have his three Michelin stars removed from the restaurant as he felt it put too much pressure on the kitchen team and took away from the joy of cooking. The decision was seen as controversial at the time but was praised by many in the industry.

Another Michelin-starred restaurant that lost a star was The Samling in Lake District, England. In 2020, the restaurant temporarily closed due to the pandemic and then later reopened under new ownership with a new chef. It was reported that the food had suffered, and the restaurant was no longer at the level it needed to be to maintain a Michelin star, and as a result, the star was taken away.

Some restaurants have also regained their Michelin stars after losing them, showing that it is possible to bounce back. For example, L'Ambroisie in Paris lost its Michelin star in the early 2000s but regained it in 2009. This showed that the restaurant had worked hard to improve and that the Michelin Guide is willing to give restaurants a second chance.

Overall, losing a Michelin star can have a significant impact on a restaurant's reputation and business. However, it is important to remember that the Michelin Guide is subjective and that the awards are based on a specific set of criteria. Restaurants should strive to maintain their high standards and provide the best possible dining experience for their guests, regardless of any accolades or rankings.