Michelin shakeup in Britain
Two Michelin stories landed this week: Somssi closed after chef Jihun Kim left, and Club Gascon is set to shut at month‑end — sharp reminders of volatility in fine dining. (cumnockchronicle.com) At the same time, seven UK restaurants (four in England, three in Scotland) picked up Michelin green stars for 2026, bringing Britain’s total to 36 green‑starred venues and underscoring sustainability as a dining priority. (conservativepost.co.uk)
Chef Jihun Maxime Kim posted his departure from Mandarin Oriental Mayfair on Instagram on 17 March 2026. (thestaffcanteen.com) Mandarin Oriental subsequently issued a statement confirming Somssi by Jihun Kim has closed at the hotel following his exit. (cpp-luxury.com) Somssi had been awarded a Michelin star at the Great Britain & Ireland ceremony in Dublin in February 2026 after roughly six months of trading. (thestaffcanteen.com) Club Gascon posted on its website that its final service will be dinner on 28 March 2026. (clubgascon.com) Club Gascon opened in 1998, has been led by chef-patron Pascal Aussignac (with business partner Vincent Labeyrie), and had held a Michelin star since 2002. (thecaterer.com) The Michelin Guide named seven British restaurants new Green Star recipients for 2026 — including 1887 at Torridon, Forest Side (Grasmere), Timberyard (Edinburgh), Glebe House (Southleigh), Knepp Wilding Kitchen (Horsham), Eight at Gazegill (Rimington) and The Free Company (Balerno). (guide.michelin.com; thecaterer.com) Michelin’s press release says the new awards bring the Great Britain & Ireland Green Star total to 37, while some UK outlets reported a Britain-only total of 36 after the 2026 announcements. (guide.michelin.com; timeout.com)
