In the wake of the highly anticipated Michelin Guide announcement on 5 February, UK hotel group, Exclusive Collection, is thrilled to confirm it has successfully retained its three Michelin stars for 2024. Awarded its first Michelin star in 2023 under the leadership of Head Chef Ben Wilkinson, The Pass at South Lodge has successfully retained its status. Latymer at Pennyhill Park and Bybrook at The Manor House have also been awarded for their ongoing commitment to culinary excellence, with the retention of their coveted Michelin stars.
Exclusive Collection offers a diverse array of dining experiences awarded for the passion and skill of the restaurant teams, including three Michelin stars, seventeen AA Rosettes and the ‘Best Trencherman’s Pub’ award. Each property within the collection stands out with its commitment to using the finest, seasonal ingredients and provenance, showcased through ever-evolving seasonal menus and innovative dining concepts.
MD of Exclusive Collection, Danny Pecorelli comments: “The culinary excellence of The Pass, Bybrook, and Latymer stands as a testament to Exclusive Collection’s unwavering commitment to our food offering. . It’s a pleasure to see the talents of Ben Wilkinson, Steve Smith and Robert Potter, and their teams, recognised by the Michelin Guide. With their innovative approach, consistently crafting menus that not only captivate senses but also champion sustainability and combat food waste. I am immensely proud of their dedication, reflecting our commitment to B Corp standards.”
The Pass at South Lodge, West Sussex – One Michelin-Star (2023)
The Pass at South Lodge in West Sussex, an intimate 28-cover restaurant overseen by Head Chef Ben Wilkinson, quickly gathered culinary recognition following its reopening in 2022. With Wilkinson at the helm and his partner Monika Zurawska leading the front-of-house team, The Pass was awarded a Michelin star and three AA Rosettes in 2023. Guests can experience the craft, with curated tasting menus showcasing the best of seasonal British produce unfolding before their eyes at the open kitchen space.
Wilkinson comments: “Being acknowledged for the second consecutive year motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and we are honoured to uphold the standard of excellence set by Michelin.”
Latymer at Pennyhill Park, Surrey – One Michelin-Star (2021)
Head Chef Steve Smith continues to lead the restaurant to success, since his arrival at the helm of Latymer at Pennyhill Park in 2020. Renowned for modern British cooking, Smith expresses great pride at retaining a Michelin star for a third consecutive year. Dedicated to delivering the flavour of refinement with a menu that carefully combines exquisite texture and flavour combinations, from only the very best seasonal and sustainable produce. One of the most talented chefs of his generation, Smith has held a Michelin star for over twenty years and five AA Rosettes.
Smith comments: “I am thrilled, along with the Latymer team, to announce our continued success in retaining our Michelin star. Our dedication to sourcing the finest flavours from seasonal and sustainable ingredients is showcased through our unique surprise discovery tasting menu and it’s truly rewarding to receive this ongoing recognition from the guide.”
Bybrook at The Manor House, The Cotswolds – One Michelin-Star (2017)
Since joining Bybrook restaurant as Executive Chef, Robert Potter was awarded a Michelin star in 2017 and has retained his star every year since. Named after the river that graces The Manor House grounds in Castle Combe, the Bybrook delivers seasonal stories to savour, with a menu that focuses on sustainability and the best of British produce. Following a refurbishment last year, Bybrook boasts a visually fresh and modern ambiance while respecting the history of the property and the heritage of the Cotswolds.
Potter comments: “Seven years in a row, and the thrill remains undiminished. The entire Bybrook team continue to channel their energy to ensure perfection in every dish, prioritising sustainability and quality above all else, and I couldn’t be prouder of retaining our star.”
