Jason Atherton suffers another blow to restaurant empire as his swanky City Social loses its Michelin Star - months after chef's first ever venture closed its doors

Jason Atherton's opulent City Social located in City of London has lost its coveted Michelin star. The Sheffield-born celebrity chef, 53, secured the accolade for the upmarket dining spot, which boasts panoramic skyline views of the city, within six months of its opening in 2014. However, it was today revealed that City Social is no longer in possession of the star in the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2025.

The guide recognises some of the best restaurants in the world by awarding up to three of its prestigious stars - and can make or break reputations. It's the second blow for the chef who also shut his Pollen Street Social restaurant last year after a 14-year run. At the time of its closure, Atherton said: 'The London dining scene is fast-paced, and diners are looking for something a little different,' according to The Caterer.

Atherton was also accused of 'bullying' young chefs in a BBC2 cookery show, The Chefs' Brigade, in 2019. The chef admitted to being incandescent with rage during filming after his young team served food late and plated dishes badly in a Norwegian cookery challenge. Jason Atherton's City Social has lost its Michelin star in the new 2025 guide (pictured: Jason Atherton at the opening of Harrods Social by Jason Atherton).

Viewers watching the second episode of the programme, which aimed to unearth hidden talent working in the UK food industry, branded Atherton a 'bullying b******' and said it was hard to believe such shouting in the kitchen was still acceptable. City Social was one of six restaurants to lose its stars in this year's guide, with Mayfair's Chinese restaurant Kai also dropping off the list. The world-famous Michelin Guide has received a Gen Z makeover to rid itself of its stuffy image, as it seeks to stay relevant in the age of food influencers.

While it was once arguably the only review that mattered to top chefs, the guide - first founded in the early 1900s to help motorists know where to dine - is now suffering from fierce competition. The rise of food influencers and online reviewers can now send restaurants viral almost immediately - offering a boost to local cuisines that can see long queues form overnight. As well as promoting previously unknown finds, the online world of influencing also offers diners a world of choice at often far cheaper prices than any Michelin starred restaurant.

The upmarket City of London joint (pictured) secured its Michelin star in 2014 - just months after opening. City Social, which has impressive panoramic views of London's skyline, boasts Atherton as its chef patron. The Michelin Guide has now had to bring itself up to date to stay relevant to diners in the UK and around the world, who are increasingly focused on eating out but less interested in fine dining.

It comes amid a controversial history which has seen a range of famous chefs renounce their stars due to the 'pressure' which comes with them. Most famously Marco Pierre White renounced his three Michelin stars in 1999 so he could spend more time with his family. As part of its makeover, the Michelin Guide has now brought in a new star to appear to younger generations and environmentally conscious foodies known as the green star.

The award is given to restaurants assessed to be at the forefront of their field when it comes to sustainability. The guide has also started operating in more countries than ever before - with another 20, including India, on the cards for the organisation to send its reviewers to. Pictured: Jason Atherton at The Hope Gala hosted by Mandarin Oriental and Alia Bhatt in March 2024, London. A recent addition has seen restaurants in Mexico become the latest recipients of the prestigious award.

But far from the world of French fine dining, it is increasingly local venues that are benefitting. One such example is El Califa de Leon, a 56-year-old taquería in Mexico City that measures 3m by 3m and serves four types of taco. With no room to sit and a devoted crew of longstanding regulars, the small store is a long cry from the likes of Fat Duck, The Ledbury and The Dorchester - all three-star restaurants here in the UK.

But the guide's modernising approach has not been welcomed by all - in 2019, it was accused of sacrificing its independence after granting stars to a series of restaurants in China. Bosses awarded stars to ten restaurants in Guangzhou, southern China, as part of a deal with a local tourism board. And despite efforts, the perception of Michelin starred restaurants continues to put pressure on chefs around the world.