Alongside Smyth’s CORE by Clare Smyth (North Kensington), which made the list for the first time this year, other newly awarded two-star restaurants include: Kitchen Table at Bubbledogs (Bloomsbury) from chef James Knappett and Moor Hall (Aughton) from Mark Birchall.

They sit alongside 17 other restaurants who have retained their two-stars: Claude Bosi at Bibendum; Dinner by Heston Blumenthal; Restaurant Sat Bains; and Ledbury to name just a few.

A further 155 restaurants across Great Britain and Ireland have been recognised with one star, such as: Pied à Terre; Brat; River Café; Galvin at Windows; Barrafina; Northcote; and Rogan & Co.

Gwendal Poullennec, international director of Michelin Guides, commented: “With so many world-renowned chefs, and London having one of the most diverse selections of cuisine types available anywhere in the world, the UK is a major gastronomic destination for travellers and foodies alike.

“With this in mind, the latest Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland perfectly reflects the strength, depth and diversity of the culinary landscape here.” 

Guide director Rebecca Burr added: “The three owner-chefs at these new two star establishments have created fantastic restaurants that very much reflect their own personalities and philosophies. 

“The inspectors have also seen exciting things happening in the Republic of Ireland this year, and much of it in County Cork.

“The county plays host to three new one stars: Chestnut, Mews and Ichigo Ichie. There’s a lot of ability in Ireland right now. As everyone knows, the produce is stunning and it’s great to see chefs injecting such passion and personality into their food.  

“Everyone is aware of the obvious challenges currently facing the industry, but we’ve been encouraged by the number of new stars that we’ve awarded in the 2019 edition.

“What is particularly pleasing is seeing the number of simple little places with great food achieving a star and joining the Michelin family, like Bulrush in Bristol and Salt in Stratford-upon-Avon.”  

Three pubs in England have also entered the guide this year one star each: Blackbird (Newbury); The White Swan (Lancashire); and Fordwich Arms (Fordwich).

The full guide can be viewed online here: https://travel.michelin.co.uk/images/companies/1/Press%20Release%202019/Awards_List_Great_Britain_%26_Ireland_2019.pdf.