Michelin stars | debate on their value

With the release of 2015 Michelin Guide just around the corner, we took to Facebook and Twitter to ask our followers what they thought about one of the most well known and respected handbooks in the restaurateur business. Here were their responses… On Facebook, other chefs and the public alike delivered very mixed opinions on the matter. Some agreed they are still the highest of the high in awards, whereas others believe as long as you have customers coming through the door every night, why do you need a star?

Post by The Staff Canteen.

(Click on the post to view the comments) On Twitter, some who replied were blunt about their desire to attain one, but others believe the stars are only awarded to restaurants with a certain style.

@CanteenTweets absolutely, all guides have their anomalies but still think Michelin is a good. Great for our business. Hope we retain!
— Sienna Restaurant (@SiennaDorset) September 3, 2014

@CanteenTweets It makes me push harder to make the food & restaurant better. Hoping that the business will grow as well don't want to charge
— Bens Cornish Kitchen (@cornishkitchen) September 3, 2014

@CanteenTweets more just be busier
— Bens Cornish Kitchen (@cornishkitchen) September 3, 2014

@CanteenTweets Relevant? yeah I think so, as important? not sure, I think @ChefTomKerridge is showing what diners want #onlymyopinion
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Jon Fell (@jonfellchef) September 3, 2014

@CanteenTweets Still relevant - it's what we all aspire to us normal cooks. Michelin is still the benchmark of quality and innovation
— Trevor Hambley (@1bigtrev) September 3, 2014

@CanteenTweets IMO these days Michelin is more about a certain kind of service and presentation, rather than quality food and flavours.
— Aaron Turpin (@Turpin101) September 3, 2014

@CanteenTweets there's been 2 English chefs to get 3 stars.I want to be the 3rd just like everyone else.It's the hardest goal to achieve
— lee skeet (@leeskeet) September 4, 2014

@CanteenTweets if anyone's serious about being a chef,its what they should be aiming for, or for me,there's no point even cooking #myopinion
— lee skeet (@leeskeet) September 4, 2014

It seems that people are still very much split over whether Michelin stars are still sought after by many of today’s modern establishments, but with reports of chefs crying over lost stars and The Fat Duck, one of four 3-star Michelin rated restaurants with a 5 star review on Trip Advisor, the star's prominence in the business doesn’t look to be fading away that quickly.

Look at our piece on the impact of the stars on the business as we've spoken to both those that have gained a star but also lost a star.

By Alys Penfold

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