THREE restaurants across Reading and Newbury have retained their Michelin star status following the release of this year's Michelin Guide.

The Michelin Guide unveiled its list for 2020 on Monday (October 7) celebrating outstanding cooking at restaurants and pubs across Great Britain and Ireland.

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It features 187 Michelin-starred eateries, including one in Reading and two in Newbury.

French inspired restaurant, L'Ortolan, on Church Lane, Shinfield, has retained its Michelin star status for its 18th year in a row.

Situated in a Grade II listed building surrounded by landscaped gardens, it remains Reading's only Michelin starred restaurant.

During a visit to L'Ortolan, The Reading Chronicle's reporter, Olivia Gantzer, described the quality of food and drink as "divine" likening the experience to "a spa treatment for the senses".

READ MORE: Reading's L'Ortolan offers a special French dining experience.

Reading Chronicle:

Owner, Peter Newman, said: "I am really proud of our head chef and team who once again due to their hard work, dedication and passion have retained their Michelin star for our 18th year in succession.

Reading Chronicle:

"It is especially rewarding to correspond with our 18th birthday and will help our birthday celebrations go with a swing.

"We plan to carry on the tradition of quality and culinary excellence for the next 18 years!"

The Blackbird and The Woodspeen, both located in Newbury, also retained their Michelin stars.

The Woodspeen is both a restaurant and cookery school set in a restored 19th century farmhouse in the West Berkshire countryside.

They serve seasonal dishes inspired by home grown ingredients.

The Blackbird in Bagnor is classically French based but draws on international cuisines, making the best use of local produce and ingredients from further afield.

The Michelin Guide is published annually and awards up to three stars for excellence, with just five establishments boasting the top rating.

Rebecca Burr, director of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland, said: “Running a successful restaurant is tough, and we know that.

"It takes long hours, dedication, teamwork and the support of those people closest to you.

"I congratulate all the teams and chefs who have won and retained Michelin Stars in the 2020 guide."