Lympstone Manor has retained its Michelin star, and Michael Caines and his team say they are 'delighted' to be recognised as the best once again.

They won their first Michelin star in 2017, six months after opening, and have retained the annual award ever since.

 A Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking.

Judges take into account five universal criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both across the entire menu and over time.

Every year, Michelin re-assesses existing Star restaurants to ensure the same high standard of cooking is being offered to guests.

Mr Caines put a statement on  the Lympstone Manor Facebook page yesterday (February 7) which said: "My team and I are delighted that the Lympstone Manor Restaurant has once again retained its Michelin star that we were awarded in 2017, only six months after we opened.

"We know how demanding and precise the anonymous Michelin inspectors always are, so we are humbled and gratified to receive this important industry recognition once again for the consistent quality of both cuisine and service that we are able to achieve.

"I would like to thank my whole team for their talent, dedication and hard work, and in particular my Head Chef Jordan Denning and the whole kitchen brigade. Hospitality is the most demanding business, even more challenging these days then ever before, and we all know that we are only as good as our last meal: consistent excellence is the elusive goal that we must always strive to achieve.

"I would also like to thank all of you who have supported me throughout my career, and who continue to support us at Lympstone Manor. I have been in this business long enough never to take your support for granted and I am truly grateful that you enjoy and appreciate what we do.

"To my fellow Chefs and restauranteurs, a huge congratulations for your new stars, stars retained. And a special congratulations to Brett on his third star."