Inside FIFTYTWO, the immersive dining experience awarded a Michelin star

A North Yorkshire restaurant has been awarded its first Michelin star, with FIFTYTWO — the immersive dining experience at Rudding Park — recognised in the Michelin Guide.

The accolade places the Harrogate-based venue among Michelin-starred restaurants in Yorkshire and formally acknowledges its distinctive approach to fine dining.

An immersive concept at Rudding Park

FIFTYTWO opened in 2024 within the grounds of Rudding Park, offering an experience centred on interaction, seasonality and a close connection between kitchen and diner.

The restaurant is housed within a purpose-built structure made from repurposed shipping containers, with an open kitchen at its centre and large windows overlooking its kitchen garden. Guests are seated around the kitchen island, with dishes served directly by the chefs.

A defining feature of the experience is the absence of a printed menu, with diners placing their trust in the kitchen to guide the evening.

Cooking shaped by the kitchen garden

The restaurant is led by head chef Adam Degg, whose cooking is driven by produce grown just metres from the dining space.

FIFTYTWO takes its name from the 52 raised beds in its kitchen garden, which supply herbs, vegetables and edible flowers used throughout the tasting menu, alongside carefully sourced local ingredients.

The menu evolves constantly, shaped by what is available in the garden and the wider Yorkshire growing season, with the emphasis placed on freshness, flavour and creativity.

‘For those yet to discover… the best parties happen in the kitchen’

Reacting to the Michelin star, Adam Degg shared his thoughts in a post on the restaurant’s Instagram account, describing the award as a major personal and professional moment.

“Winning this honestly means the world to us,” he said. “When we opened, the goal was to create something genuine, fun and rooted in the incredible produce we grow in our kitchen garden.

“I have to give huge credit to Emma and her garden team, whose work shapes every dish we serve.

“Thank you to my team – Other Adam™, Jess, Callum, Finn & Robbie. This recognition is a reflection of your energy, creativity and belief in what we’re building.

“I’m also deeply grateful to the Mackaness family for trusting me with this project and giving me the freedom to create my dream restaurant.

“Most importantly, thanks to everyone who walks in, sees no menu, and says ‘go on then.’

“Last night was a highlight of my career – a personal milestone. A reminder of how far we’ve come.

“For those yet to discover… the best parties happen in the kitchen!”

Michelin recognition

The Michelin star marks the first time FIFTYTWO has received the accolade since opening and places the restaurant among Yorkshire’s Michelin-recognised venues.

The award acknowledges the quality of cooking and the clarity of the restaurant’s concept, with its focus on immersive dining, seasonal produce and a close relationship between chefs, garden and guests.