The AA has been awarding Rosettes to restaurants since 1956, with the top award of five rosettes being introduced in 1991. The multi rosettes are awarded bi-annually in January and September and for the first time this year the AA has announced a new Five Rosette award in January.

Alistair Sandall, commercial manager at AA Hotel Services, said: “While the awarding of new five rosettes is usually included in our main Hospitality Awards in September we all felt that we could not delay this award until then.

“Michael Wignall has transferred his exquisite skills and style to Gidleigh Park and has made this undoubtedly worthy of this accolade.”

The restaurants awarded new four AA Rosettes are Martin Wishart at Loch Lomon in Balloch, Morston Hall in Blakeney, and Typing Room in London.