The Harrow retains Michelin star

The Harrow at Little Bedwyn is the only local restaurant to feature in the Michelin Guide 2011

THE Harrow at Little Bedwyn is celebrating after retaining its one Michelin star for the fifth successive year.

The Wiltshire restaurant, which in September was crowned the prestigious AA Restaurant of the Year for England, is the only local restaurant to feature in the Michelin Guide 2011 - the centenary edition of the guide, which was released yesterday (Wednesday, January 19).

Restaurant owners Sue and Roger Jones were first awarded the coveted Michelin star in 2007 and Mr Jones said this week that the couple were thrilled to retain it for a fifth successive year, paying tribute to the small team of eight working at the restaurant, including the head chef, 29-year-old John Brown, of Little Bedwyn.

Mr Jones said: “We are delighted, especially as all our staff are local and it is a local, family restaurant looking after the local people.”

Meanwhile, there was no place in the guide for The Vineyard at Stockcross, which last year lost its two stars that it had been awarded in 2007 after the former executive chef, John Campbell, left the restaurant for pastures new.

He was replaced by Frenchman, Daniel Galmiche in October 2009 and last year, The Vineyard's managing director, Andrew McKenzie, said the restaurant had become a victim of timing.

Speaking this week, Mr McKenzie said The Vineyard was disappointed not to be featured in this year's guide, although he said happy customers were the greatest reward, adding that feedback from guests was fantastic.

Within Berkshire, the Reading restaurant L'Ortolan and Bray restaurant The Royal Oak both retained their one Michelin star, while The Fat Duck and Waterside Inn in Bray both retained their three-stars in the latest guide.

Across the country, 123 establishments were awarded one Michelin star, 16 were awarded two stars and four establishments were awarded three stars.