London's Michelin Star Losses: 7 Restaurants Stripped in 2026 Guide
The 2026 Michelin Guide for Great Britain & Ireland, announced earlier this week in Dublin, has delivered a mix of celebration and disappointment for London's culinary scene. While ten new restaurants in the capital earned stars, seven establishments saw their stars removed, largely due to closures that have reshaped the city's fine dining landscape.
Official Star Loss: Humo in Mayfair
Humo in Mayfair stands out as the only restaurant to officially lose its Michelin star while still in operation. This decision followed the departure of acclaimed chef Miller Prada at the start of 2025. The live-fire restaurant had gained its star under Prada's direction, a Colombian-born chef known for his previous work with Endo Kazutoshi at Endo at the Rotunda in White City. Prada is currently exploring opportunities to launch a new personal project.
Time Out's five-star review of Humo, written when it still held its star, highlighted Prada's skill, noting: 'Watching the skilled, admirably efficient Prada at work is also all part of the joy of Humo. His way with placing beetroot jus on a plate of lamb was hypnotic, the resulting red squiggles and shapes resembling a static Alexander Calder mobile.'
Closures Leading to Star Removals
A significant number of one-star restaurants have closed since the last awards, resulting in their removal from the Michelin rankings. These include:
- La Dame de Pic at Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge (two Michelin stars)
- Bibendum in South Kensington (two Michelin stars)
- Lyle's in Shoreditch (one star)
- Dosa at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, which was open for less than a year (one star)
- The Five Fields in Chelsea (one star)
- Club Gascon in Smithfield, set to cease operations next month (one star)
All six of these closures have contributed to the overall reduction in London's Michelin-starred restaurants, reflecting ongoing challenges in the high-end dining sector.
Impact on London's Culinary Rankings
The removal of these seven restaurants from the Michelin Guide underscores the dynamic nature of London's restaurant industry. While new stars have been awarded, the losses highlight issues such as chef departures, economic pressures, and shifting consumer preferences. This update serves as a reminder of the competitive environment that fine dining establishments face in maintaining their prestigious accolades.
For food enthusiasts, this news may prompt visits to remaining starred venues or exploration of newly recognized spots. The Michelin Guide continues to be a benchmark for culinary excellence, with its annual updates closely watched by chefs, restaurateurs, and diners alike.
