London’s new Michelin stars revealed

Two of London’s oldest restaurants have been awarded their first Michelin star – The Ritz in Mayfair and Indian venue Veeraswamy, which turned 90 this year.

The Ritz restaurant, arguably the most beautiful dining room in London

Inspired by Auguste Escoffier, The Ritz’ executive chef John Williams gives classic dishes a modern twist with seasonal British ingredients.

“These establishments have long illustrious histories, but the cooking at both has never been better than it is today,” said Michelin Guide’s editor Rebecca Burr.

“It is the greatest honour to have been awarded a Michelin star. This star is testament to the entire team’s dedication to delivering excellence to every guest.

Célese at The Lanesborough has won its first Michelin star

“I am extremely proud to receive this recognition for the first time as part of the culinary history of this great hotel,” Williams said.

The latest edition of the UK Michelin Guide also honoured The Five Fields in Chelsea, Céleste at The Lanesborough hotel in Knightsbridge, The Ninth in Fitzrovia, Trinity in Clapham and Hackney newcomers Ellory and Pidgin with a Michelin star apiece.

Outside London, Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck in Bray won back its three stars after closing last year to transfer the restaurant to Melbourne.

The culinary alchemist also kept his two stars at his London outpost Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge.

Gordon Ramsay will be celebrating after retaining three stars at his Chelsea flagship Restaurant Gordon Ramsay despite talented head chef Clare Smyth leaving the venue to open her first solo venture.

Losing stars this year were Launceston Place in Kensington, said to be Princess Diana’s favourite restaurant, L’Autre Pied in Marylebone and Wild Honey in Mayfair.

Two Mayfair stalwarts, Hibiscus and The Square also lost their two stars due Claude Bosi closing the former and Phil Howard selling the latter.

Proving that world-class food needn’t break the bank, 15 London restaurants were awarded “Bib Gourmand” status for their quality cuisine at affordable prices.

Among the new Bib Gourmands was The Barbary in Covent Garden – the new venture from the founders of The Palomar inspired by the Barbary Coast.

Corbin and King’s Alsatian restaurant Bellanger also got a Bib Gourmand, as did Legs in Hackney, Paradise Garage in Bethnal Green, pasta palace Padella in London Bridge, steamed bun specialist Bao in Soho, Foley’s in Fitzrovia, Indian restaurant Gunpowder in Spitalfields and Sri Lankan site Hoppers in Soho.