Located on Old Street, the restaurant wowed judges with its innovative, plant-based creations, crafted by chef Kirk Haworth, whose approach was praised for “taking his classical training and inventively adapting it to a vegan diet.”
The Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland ceremony, held in Glasgow on Monday, marked a turning point in fine dining, proving that vegan cuisine is no longer a niche movement—it’s Michelin-worthy gastronomy.
But for Haworth, the distinction of “vegan” isn’t the focus. Asked about his passion for plant-based cooking, he responded:
“Trying to get rid of that word is everything that I love about it. It’s just about flavour, that’s all it’s about. Flavour, excitement, innovation, and trying to take it to a new space of deliciousness.”
The rise of plant-based cuisine isn’t just happening in fine dining—it’s a nationwide shift. According to research by Finder, the number of vegans in the UK surged by 1.1 million between 2023 and 2024, bringing the total to 2.5 million people—4.7% of the adult population.
With increasing demand for plant-based options, Plates London’s Michelin star could pave the way for more vegan restaurants to enter the upper echelons of fine dining.
Plates wasn’t the only standout at the ceremony. Moor Hall, a modern European restaurant in Aughton, became only the 10th restaurant in the UK and Ireland to achieve the ultra-prestigious three-star status.
Michelin praised chef Mark Birchall and his team for their “exemplary judgment of flavours” and mastery of culinary technique, noting that many of the ingredients come straight from the restaurant’s own kitchen garden. Birchall, overwhelmed with emotion, reflected on the achievement:
“I think you kind of dream about these things. You almost act it out in your mind of how you would be, but the emotion is incredible.”
In total, 22 restaurants received their first Michelin star, including nine in London, while Cardiff’s Gorse became the first restaurant in the Welsh capital to achieve the honour. Greek restaurant Oma, located in Borough Market, added to its accolades by earning its first Michelin star after winning Opening of the Year.
This year’s Michelin ceremony also celebrated sustainability, with five new Green stars awarded to restaurants committed to ethical and eco-friendly practices. As the Michelin Guide marks its 125th anniversary, the rise of vegan and sustainable fine dining signals a bold new chapter—one where plant-based food isn’t just an alternative, but a culinary revolution.
Could this be the start of a new Michelin era—one where vegan and sustainable dining take center stage? If Plates London’s success is anything to go by, the answer might just be yes.
Photo by Plates London
