Last week saw the launch of the Michelin Guide UK and Ireland 2017, the guide that no chefs claim to cook for, yet, all worry more about than any other!

This year the Michelin Guide UK and Ireland decided to change the format something that was new for them here in UK but not for the Michelin Guide as an organisation, which had held award style ceremonies in other countries. It saw the great and good of the Michelin food scene all congregate on the North Bank of the Thames at IET London: Savoy Place.

The day began with networking and stunning views across the river, key event partners offered their fair and wares for the chefs and their entourage  who all tried to look less nervous and who were all were keen to understand how this event was actually going to work.

As ever the rumour mill was like a super car on speed as chefs speculated about new three stars and deletions. Where was this chef? Why were they not there? Were they being de-listed, surely not? Perhaps they were getting three stars, on and on it went. The nervous energy just kept building, only broken by an appearance of the Michelin man for photos.

Did it feel somewhat 50 Best? I certainly felt that it did, perhaps all live awards will generate this feel, a host of top chefs, sponsors, coffee, champagne and swanky venues. Are Michelin looking over their shoulder? 

The ceremony itself took place on the ground level, chefs in the front block of seats, media behind them, and sponsors to the right of the stage. I have to be honest here and say that getting chefs on stage and to be celebrated in front of the peers is, I believe, a good thing. This was I thought let down by a less than polished delivery. All eyes were on the Fat Duck regaining three stars after it closed and travelled south. Rather than a huge X-Factor style build up, the cat was let out the bag with a bang when the restaurant was named prematurely which really