Michelin Guide 2025: Rogues & Don’t Tell Dad Shine in North London

Key Points

• Two north London restaurants, Rogues and Don’t Tell Dad, feature in the October live edition of the Michelin Guide.
• Rogues, located in Hackney, opened its permanent premises in March 2022 after several pop-ups.
• Rogues is co-founded by Zac Whittle and Freddie Sheen, former chefs at Galvin La Chapelle.
• Rogues features a rustic design with mix-and-match wooden tables and bright prints on exposed concrete walls.
• The Michelin inspectors praised Rogues for its informal atmosphere and daily changing seasonal sharing plates, paired with natural wines.
• Don’t Tell Dad opened in January on Lonsdale Road, Queens Park, run by Daniel Land.
• Don’t Tell Dad offers pastries, sandwiches, and coffee by day, switching to fine Anglo-French cuisine and wines in the evening.
• The restaurant honours Daniel Land’s late sister Lesley and is inspired by childhood memories.
• Michelin review highlights its vintage charm, standout dishes like truffle and cheddar beignets, wing rib of beef with bone marrow butter, and madeleine desserts.

What are the new Michelin-starred restaurants in north London?

As reported by a journalist from the Evening Standard, the Michelin Guide’s October live edition introduced two notable dining spots in north London: Rogues in Hackney and Don’t Tell Dad in Queen’s Park.

Rogues arrived on the Michelin radar after establishing a permanent location on Hackney Road in March 2022, succeeding a number of pop-up ventures both before and after the pandemic lockdown. The restaurant was co-founded by Zac Whittle and Freddie Sheen, chefs who met while working at Galvin La Chapelle, the renowned Galvin brothers’ establishment. As the Evening Standard describes, the ambiance at Rogues is “rustic” with an eclectic mix of wooden tables and bright prints set against exposed concrete walls.

What makes Rogues stand out according to Michelin inspectors?

According to the Michelin Guide’s assessment shared in an Evening Standard report, Rogues is celebrated for its informal yet engaging atmosphere and its commitment to a fresh, daily-changing seasonal menu. The dishes are mainly sharing plates that pair well with natural wines.

Inspectors noted the harmonious blend of flavours and textures, highlighting items such as grilled Bobby beans served with piperade, smoked almonds, and cherries. A unique feature of Rogues is their Monday roast dinners, which offer a playful twist on traditional fare. The service team is described as “genial” and efficient, adding to the overall dining experience.

Who is behind Don’t Tell Dad and what is its concept?

Daniel Land opened Don’t Tell Dad in January on Lonsdale Road, as reported by Lorna Hughes from Ham & High. The restaurant embraces a neighbourhood concept, offering a dual identity serving bakery goods, pastries, and coffee throughout the day, which transition to fine wines and sophisticated Anglo-French dishes in the evening.

Daniel Land dedicates the restaurant to his late sister Lesley, drawing inspiration from their childhood memories, including their mischievous dictum, “Don’t tell Dad.” The interior features green velvet seating and blonde wood accents, creating a warm and inviting vintage feel that reviewers and inspectors have appreciated.

Which dishes at Don’t Tell Dad impressed Michelin inspectors?

As noted by the Morning Advertiser, the inspectors praised Don’t Tell Dad’s harmonious blend of flavors and textures. They recommended starting with truffle and cheddar beignets—a moreish snack before moving on to hearty sharing dishes such as wing rib of beef with bone marrow butter.

The dessert anticipation is highlighted by the freshly baked madeleines, which the guide advises diners to save room for. This range of offerings underscores the restaurant’s balance of bakery delicacies and elevated dinner fare, making it a versatile dining destination.

How are the Michelin Guide selections updated beyond the annual awards?

As detailed by a journalist in the Guardian, while the prestigious stars and Bib Gourmands are traditionally awarded annually at the Michelin Guide ceremony, the guide also updates its selection regularly online. New entries, such as Rogues and Don’t Tell Dad, appear on the Michelin website and app throughout the year. This continuous refresh keeps the guide current with emerging talents and notable dining experiences.