Modern restaurant in small Clare village awarded first Michelin Star

A restaurant in a small village in County Clare has been awarded its first Michelin Star.

On Monday, February 5, the Michelin Guide Ceremony Great Britain and Ireland 2024 took place at The Midland Hotel in Manchester.

During the ceremony, a total of 18 restaurants were newly awarded a Michelin Star, including County Clare restaurant Homestead Cottage.

Homestead Cottage is located at Lough North, Doolin, and is run by Robbie and Sophie McCauley.

Homestead Cottage was described by inspectors as the most rural of the newly awarded restaurants and it was praised for both its character and excellent quality ingredients.

The Michelin Guide website reads it offers “Modern Cuisine” as the inspectors explained: “On Ireland’s west coast, we have what is surely the most rural of the newly anointed Stars. Run by Robbie and Sophie McCauley, who met while working at Gregan’s Castle, Homestead Cottage in Doolin is a thoroughly charming place.

“Its setting inside a former crofter’s cottage provides plenty of character, and dishes are often brought to the table by Robbie and his fellow chefs with palpable pride. Garden produce and local ingredients like Aran monkfish are used in cooking that demonstrates refinement, precision and a great understanding of balance.”

In County Clare, another restaurant, Wild Honey Inn, has retained its Michelin star this year.

The Wild Honey Inn, on Kincora Road, Lisdoonvarna, offers “Classic Cuisine” and inspectors praised its sauces and menu as well as its cosy atmosphere.

The Michelin Guide website reads: “This personally run inn set in the heart of The Burren started life as an 1860s hotel serving those visiting the town’s spas. For this reason, it doesn’t look much like a pub but, once inside, it’s warm, cosy and full of pubby character. The menu reflects the locale and the seasons, doing away with fripperies to highlight quality produce like crab and lobster Royale or succulent rump of lamb. The sauces in particular are a showcase for excellent seasoning and depth of flavour, and the sticky toffee pudding is a must. Delightful bedrooms complete the picture.”

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