Having been around for more than 100 years it’s no surprise that the Michelin Guide has generated a lot of myths and misconceptions during that time in relation to Michelin stars.

Here are just five mythologies the Michelin Guide would like to dispel once and for all:

1) The Michelin Guide rates top chefs

There is no such thing as a Michelin starred chef – the accolade is actually awarded to the restaurant not an individual.

2) The Michelin Guide does not rate a restaurant's service standards

Yes the quality of food is a big measurement when it comes to handing out stars but there’s also a lot more to it than that. Did you know there is actually a separate category for ‘covers’? These are indicated with a knife and fork for restaurants and a Pavilion symbol for hotels.

3) The Michelin Guided is biased towards French cooking

The Michelin Guide actually has a range of inspectors who come from all different parts of the world. Their job is to rate over 40,000 hotels and restaurants in over 24 countries across three continents.

4) The Michelin Guide only lists fine-dining restaurants

Stars have actually been awarded to a range of establishments, just this year Chan Hon Meng, Chef Patron of Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken, Rice and Noodles - a street vendor in Hong Kong - was awarded the prestigious accolade. Chan's soya sauce chicken with rice only costs £1.14!

The Bib Gourmand category recognises a reasonably priced three course meal and a new category in the 2016 Paris Guide recognises restaurants serving 'a good, simple meal' which haven't received stars or bibs.

5) Michelin Guide inspectors are not always anonymous

Although an inspector’s identity is kept a secret most of the time, on the rare occasion they may need to reveal themselves for ‘technical visits’ – a trip to a restaurant or establishment to collect photos and press information. However, after an inspector reveals himself a new one will be appointed to access that particular restaurant.

>>> You can read the full article by Michelin here

Restaurants being awarded Michelin stars in Great Britian and Ireland will be annoucned at a live event at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Savoy Place in London on Monday, October 3. We will be bringing this to you via Facebook Live from 11.30am so make sure you like our page to see the Michelin movers and shakers for 2017.

In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 16 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 560,000 followers across Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.