I dined at Plates London before it got its Michelin star and it was a true honour

Last year, I had the pleasure of dining at Plates London, one of the 10 capital eateries awarded a new Michelin star this week.

The Shoreditch plant-based restaurant received its first star on Monday (February 9) as the 2025 Michelin Guide was unveiled at a ceremony at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum in Glasgow.

The accolade which also saw the spot become the first vegan restaurant in the UK to be awarded a Michelin star comes less than a year after the eatery opened its doors last July.

I was lucky enough to have dined there a few months after it opened last summer and it honestly felt like a true honor.

Partly because I had followed Plates’ head chef and co-founder Kirk Haworth’s journey on BBC’s Great British Menu and also because the spot had been largely booked up since its opening.

Set around the corner from Old Street station, Plates is based away from the hustle and bustle of the vibrant Shoreditch area and feels oh so exclusive.

Thanks to its cosy seating plan, you really feel lucky to be a part of the select few invited to dine there.

During my visit Plates trialed a nostalgic menu in partnership with refurbished tech marketplace Back Market, which included dishes inspired by iconic British classics that Brits deem the most nostalgic including Angel Delight, Arctic Roll, and lasagna.

Starting off with a classic Salt & Shake crisps just like the beloved Walkers version, one of my favourite dishes was the zero fish finger which was so much better than the sarnies I remember growing up.

Throughout the meal there were moments where Kirk himself came around to add the final touches which was amazing to see his passion for food up close before you.

Looking back on my visit it's no surprise Plates landed a star in the 2025 Michelin Guide.

The star was well deserved indeed and I'm sure it won’t be long before Plates receive another.

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