Plates has become the first plant-based restaurant in the UK to earn a Michelin star, winning the accolade just seven months after opening. Olivia Palamountain reports

Plates, helmed by siblings Kirk and Keeley Haworth, has become the first plant-based restaurant in the UK to receive a Michelin star at the 2025 awards ceremony. The achievement comes shortly after Kirk's victory as "Champion of Champions" on BBC's Great British Menu.

The 25-cover vegan restaurant, which opened in London in July 2024, offers seven and eight-course tasting menus featuring innovative dishes such as barbecued Maitake mushroom with black bean mole, and caramelised Lion's Mane with black truffle jus.

Diners can also sample Kirk's perfect-scoring Great British Menu dessert "A Taste of Unity", which judge Tom Kerridge described as "just phenomenal cooking." "Earning a Michelin star is such an incredible honour and a lifetime goal since I was a young boy. To be the first in the plant-based sphere in the UK to win this prestigious award makes me unbelievably proud, and I am so grateful to our talented team for their support and dedication," says Kirk Haworth.The restaurant's design reflects its culinary philosophy, featuring a chef's counter crafted from felled London trees and a dried seaweed installation. A private dining space and development kitchen accommodate an additional 20 covers.

"At Plates, we've always believed in pushing boundaries, and this achievement proves that plant-based dining can stand proudly at the highest level of gastronomy," adds Keeley Haworth.The siblings are now preparing to expand their vision with Plates Farm and Retreat, set to open in southwestern France in May 2025.

Photo credits: Jodi Hinds; Safia Shakarchi