Michelin brings forward Britain & Ireland Guide release date

Next year’s edition of the Michelin Guide Britain & Ireland will arrive early. Michelin states that to bring the guide’s release date into line with its other Michelin country and city guides (with the exception of France), instead of the usual launch date during the third week of January the 2012 guide will be launched on October 6, 2011. A second given reason for the earlier release is that the guide will now be available in time for the Christmas market – something that has long been requested.

Speaking about the change of date, guide editor Rebecca Burr said: “This will be a big change as the guide has always been launched at the same time in January ever since the current format was introduced in 1974. Although compiled for our readers, this change of publication date has only been made possible by the establishments returning their information sheets to us earlier than normal, so we would like to thank them for their swift response.

“This should be a very interesting and exciting year for the guide, taking into account the new date and the wealth of interesting new restaurant openings we have seen,” Burr added.

The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland, which celebrates its centenary this year, has become the benchmark for lovers of good food as it includes everything from simple country pubs and cafes to top class restaurants which are amongst the best in the world. It also highlights a range of places to stay, again from small intimate B&Bs to five star luxury hotels.