Heston Blumenthal is still way behind Gordon Ramsay's fifteen Michelin stars, though the British chef known for his molecular gastronomy creations received his eighth star from the Michelin guide this week when his restaurant Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel near Hyde Park was promoted from a one to a two-star establishment this week.

The celebrity chef, known for his three-star rated The Fat Duck in Bray, Berkshire, said he was "overjoyed" at the news and praised his staff at the restaurant, famous for its "meat fruit."

He added: "It's been an incredible two and a half years for Dinner and this is just simply the highlight. As a Brit, I am very proud that a restaurant inspired by and celebrating historic British cooking has been recognized today," according to the Telegraph.

Executive head chef for the Fat Duck Group Ashley Palmer-Watts said: "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."

Offering an a la carte menu or a reasonably priced set lunch from Monday to Friday, Dinner opened to immediate acclaim in 2011. 

Elsewhere in the 2014 Michelin dining guide, Mayfair restaurant The Greenhouse, run by renowned French chef Arnaud Bignon, was promoted from one to two stars. 

There was first time stars for Wilks, a quiet restaurant in Bristol, Adam's in Birmingham and The Samling in Ambleside, Cumbria. 

Casualties included L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in London, which lost its second star.

Rebecca Burr, the guide's editor, said: "We have never produced a GB and Ireland guide that provides our readers with such diversity and variety.

"Fantastic B&Bs, wonderful pubs, stylish hotels, world class restaurants and great value eateries - we have them all in our guide."

She added: "The Michelin guide has always reflected what's out there and London in particular has never offered so much choice - there really is something for everyone and for every occasion and there appears to be no end to the number of exciting new restaurant openings.

"With cuisines and culinary influences from all parts of the globe, it's no surprise that the capital is one of the most exciting cities in the world for food."

The Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2014 goes on sale on October 4.

Heston Blumenthal DinnerHeston Blumenthal At The Savoy Hotel