Bumper day for London as Michelin stars are served

The Ritz and Veeraswamy are among the London restaurants to have gained a star in the latest edition of the UK Michelin Guide.

Half a dozen other restaurants have joined them to grab a Michelin star for the first time: Chelsea's The Five Fields, Celeste at The Lanesborough in Knightsbridge, Ellory and Pidgin of Hackney, The Ninth in Fitzrovia and Trinity in Clapham.

Gordon Ramsay's flagship Restaurant Gordon Ramsay on Royal Hospital Road has retained its treasured three-star status despite the departure of its head chef, Clare Smyth.

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Another celebrity chef with cause for celebration is Heston Blumenthal, whose Fat Duck has regained three Michelin stars after being ineligible last year due to closure. His Knightsbridge restaurant, Dinner, retained its two Michelin stars.

In a good day for the capital, London also earned 15 new Bib Gourmands, the awards given to restaurants that are easier on the pocket and less stuffy than those in the running for stars.

But if you've always wanted to try a top end restaurant, this could be your moment. Bookatable is offering attractive deals at a number of Michelin-starred restaurants. Savour three courses and a glass of champagne for £48 per person at the Goring Hotel in Belgravia, or dine at Claridge's in Mayfair where you can wash down three courses created by the restaurant's renowned head chef Simon Rogan with a glass of champagne for £42.

Meanwhile, with a Michelin Star and three AA Rosettes to its name, Petrus of Knightsbridge is offering four courses and champagne for £45 per person.

If you fancy something a touch simpler, nip over to Kensington, where the "unassuming but chic" Kitchen W8 will ask for just £28 in exchange for three courses and a cocktail. Roast Bresse pigeon with heritage beetroots, bulgur wheat, hazelnuts and bacon are among the delights on offer.