'Liverpool is still at the beginning of its food scene but you can see the growth...if we don't get a Star this year, it's coming soon'

WE SPEAK TO LIVERPOOL'S TOP CHEFS TO SEE IF THE CITY COULD FINALLY WIN AN ELUSIVE MICHELIN STAR

- By PAUL MCAULEY

Dan McGeorge, owner of Vetch

THE Michelin Star is the most recognisable accolade in the restaurant world - the culinary equivalent of a Grammy for musicians, an Oscar for actors, or the World Cup for footballers.

Whether a chef earns one, two or three of the coveted stars, those who add a star to their name are considered truly exceptional.

Yet despite its rich and growing food scene, Liverpool has never been awarded a Michelin Star. But that could all change on Monday, February 9.

Two renowned chefs have spoken to the ECHO about whether this could finally be Liverpool's year. Several local establishments have already earned a place in the Michelin Guide, with one venue achieving the feat just six weeks after opening.

Liverpool chef Paul Askew said he “couldn't nail my colours to the mast” on whether any city restaurant will receive a star this year, describing Liverpool as “on a journey”.

That sentiment was echoed by Dan McGeorge, with the two of them having already graced the Guide.

He said: “It’s a really difficult food scene at the moment. You have to be consistent even on your worst days. There are a lot of ifs, buts and maybes when it comes to the decision but ultimately, it's only Michelin who can make it.”

While often spoken about together, the Michelin Guide and Michelin Stars are not the same thing. The Guide is the wider publication that reviews and lists restaurants and hotels, featuring several distinctions not just stars.

Michelin Stars, however, are awarded only to exceptional restaurants listed in the Guide and focus solely on food quality, not service or decor.

The Michelin team told the ECHO that to earn a star, a restaurant must deliver "outstanding cooking", assessed against five universal criteria:

Quality of ingredients the finest, freshest produce