And urges customers to continue to support their local pub or restaurant

It's proving a great start to 2009 for Chiswick restaurateur Nigel Platts-Martin.

First he receives an MBE in the New Year's Honours List and then both La Trompette and Chez Bruce retain their one Michelin star status.

Platts-Martin's The Ledbury also took one of the three places on the list of ‘Rising Stars’ (tipped for two stars) alongside Tom Aikens and Nathan Outlaw .

The 2009 Michelin Guide awarded 21 new establishments noted for offering ‘good food at moderate prices’ ie. three courses for less than £28 with Bib Gourmands including Le Vacherin's sister restaurant Le Cassoulet.

Commenting on this year’s selection, the guide's editor, Derek Bulmer said, “We have never awarded so many stars in a single year before. We can now boast of having a truly mature, rich and exciting restaurant scene.

“We have also seen an increase in the number of refreshingly informal restaurants where the cooking is very good."

He added, “This was another good year for London. With plenty of new restaurant openings, the capital can boast of having the one of the most varied and diverse restaurant scenes in the world.

“However, there is no doubt that 2009 will bring challenging times for hotels and restaurants. I am hopeful that the hospitality industry will prove to be resilient; that customers continue to support their local pub or restaurant and that dining out will remain part of our lives. Our inspectors will continue to search out those establishments which not only maintain their standards but also offer value for money to their customers.”

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January 22, 2009