They probably didn't sleep a wink last night wondering what this morning's announcement would bring, but for a handful of chefs the 2014 Michelin Guide brought glad tidings of additional or new Michelin stars. Here's how they reacted to the news:
Arnaud Bignon (pictured) - Head Chef, The Greenhouse (new two star restaurant)
"On days like this it goes to show that no detail is inconsequential; no menu is too carefully planned, no ingredient too obsessively sourced, and no guest too lovingly served! I am so happy for the whole team at The Greenhouse who have been with me for the last one and a half years. We are thrilled that our dedication to food and service excellence is recognised."
Ashley Palmer Watts - Head Chef, Dinner by Heston (new two-star restaurant)
“Wow. This is just incredible news and an amazing achievement for the entire team at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Everyone works so hard every day and myself and Heston are so proud of each and every one of them. I am just blown away.”
Eric Chavot - Head Chef, Brasserie Chavot - One star
"I’ve been in this game for a long time and really appreciate what Michelin means to restaurants. I wasn’t expecting a star for Brasserie Chavot at all – so it’s a great surprise and thrill for the staff. No matter what chefs or restaurateurs say, Michelin is the Holy Grail of achievement and I am delighted today."
Tony Fleming - Executive Chef, Angler - One star
“Today, everyone at Angler is absolutely delighted as Michelin has such integrity and is the pinnacle of achievement for any chef. I believe it is consistency that has led to us winning a star within a year of opening. I am so proud of our team who work tirelessly to uphold this culinary standard of excellence. This is undeniably one of the best days of my career. It’s also my daughter Louisa’s 10th birthday today and I can’t wait to celebrate with my talented team and loving family.”
Gabriel Gonzalez - co-owner Lima - One star
“A Michelin star is an exceptional accomplishment. I am so proud of Robert Ortiz and the team who work to exceptional standards at every service, and feel this really is a testament to all of our hard work over the years. I feel truly honoured that we are also the first Peruvian restaurant to gain a star in the UK and Europe.”
Paul Hood - Head Chef, Social Eating House - One star
“We are so incredibly happy and proud. The team have worked so hard this last five months to achieve this and will continue to work hard to keep this.”
Chef Tong Chee Hwee - Head Chef, HKK - One star
"I could not sleep all night waiting for Michelin result, I am very confident with HKK and I believe the judges are fair. We got one star this time which gave me more pressure for doing better in the future, I will do my best to achieve a better result next year!"
Tom Sellers - Chef/Owner, Story - One star
"“I am completely overwhelmed and humbled to receive a Michelin star this morning. Since opening Story in Bermondsey, my team and I have strived to cook the best food we can and it is truly an honour to be rewarded in this way. My head chef Nathan Green and the team at Story have all worked incredibly hard to get us here, and I hope it’s only the beginning of a very rewarding journey.”
Tom Molnar - Founder GAIL’s Kitchen - Bib Gourmand
"We are thrilled to be awarded a Bib Gourmand by Michelin for our first restaurant, and to be amongst such admirable company. It is fantastic to see the hard work of the team recognised with such an excellent achievement."
2014 Guide to London's Michelin Stars
See our full list of stars and Bibs and why the newly-starred restaurants are rated in our feature on the 2014 Guide.
