Recently in Antony Flinn Category

The Observer's Jay Rayner has hit out at Michelin for seemingly ignoring Leeds chef Anthony Flinn again this year.

In his latest restaurant review of the newly-opened Piazza by Antony, which he dubs "a bleedin' empire, a gastronomic army of occupation", Rayner criticises Michelin's "continued refusal to recognise what he's doing," adding that it "blunts their reputation, not his." Ouch.

Rayner, who went to University in Leeds in the 80s (when pizza was the closest thing to the city's nouvelle cuisine) has long been an advocate of Flinn, whose culinary work in Leeds he says is "raising the quality of food in the city".

Last year, the food critic gave the chef's brasserie in the high-end shop Flannels a less than glowing review, claiming that Flinn was cutting corners in order to keep prices down.

In a subsequent interview with Caterer, when asked about the review Flinn said that "it annoyed me... but I don't believe for a second it was about the money - I can make fantastic dishes for pennies" .

Rayner's verdict on the Piazza, however, praises the chef's ambitious new venture, which incorporates a bakerery, patisserie, cheese shop, brasserie and more, claiming that his foodie reincarnation of the Corn Exchange is "verging on a social service." High praise indeed.

Do you think there have been any obvious omissions from this year's guide? If so, let me know...