Do people still want Michelin dining?

The most respected accolade in the culinary world could be turning away more customers than it encourages, as those presented the award are beginning to relinquish the honour. The Matheson family, along with their head chef Charlie Lockey at the Boath House in Scotland have turned down the Michelin star after 10 years, claiming the award has been ‘bad for business’.

Talking to The Herald Scotland, the family revealed that the pressure for perfection was not worth the boost in reputation, with the restaurant consistently making a loss over the last decade. Having revamped the venue, the Boath House team don’t believe diners are looking for a Michelin experience in the modern age.

“Diners no longer want waiters with white gloves, linen tablecloths and food cooked with many different aspects and technical detail,” said Mrs Wendy Matheson to the Herald. “They want good local Scottish food and no stuffiness in the restaurant.”

The news follows a similar situation with French chef Sebastien Bras, who has asked to be stripped of all three of his restaurant’s Michelin stars after admitting the pressure was all too much. Awarded his third star back 18 years ago, the respected chef no longer wants the responsibility and stress of the impeccably designed dishes.

The Boath House has four AA rosettes alongside the Michelin star, placing them in the top four restaurants in Scotland, yet the high acknowledgements could actually be putting people off. The expectation of higher prices and formal dress made by the award is being tackled by the family, who are opening a café next year offering more a more rustic atmosphere.

Are you put off Michelin starred restaurants or does the accolade still hold the same shine it did 20 years ago? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.