THREE acclaimed Oxfordshire restaurants have held on to their stars in the latest Michelin list. 

The Michelin Guide unveiled its list for 2020 yesterday, celebrating outstanding cooking at restaurants and pubs across Great Britain and Ireland.

ALSO READ: Last year's Michelin star winners

It features 187 Michelin-starred eateries, including one in Oxford city and two in the wider county.

The Oxford Kitchen in Summertown earned its first Michelin star last year, and was thought to be the first time in decades that an Oxford restaurant had gained a star.

During a recent visit, the Oxford Mail's features editor described the food as 'the best in Oxford.'

It has won the same accolade this year, still under the guidance of executive chef Paul Welburn. 

READ AGAIN: 'We are still pinching ourselves' says Oxford chef on winning Michelin star

He said he was 'honoured and humbled' to be at the awards ceremony in London again yesterday. 

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

Of about 20 restaurants with two stars, one of them was in Oxfordshire - Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons in Great Milton, retaining the impressive standard for the 35th year running.

Raymond Blanc, chef patron at the restaurant, said he was honoured to be giving out the awards this year.

Also retaining its place in the guide this year was The Nut Tree Inn in Murcott, near Bicester.

It kept its one Michelin star, having first gained it in 2008. 

ALSO READ: The 25 Oxfordshire restaurants listed in new Good Food Guide

The guide also publishes a list of winners for an award called Bib Gourmand, defined as those offering 'exceptionally good food at moderate prices'.

There were three winners of this award in Oxfordshire - the same three as last year - two of which are located on the same street in Oxford:

- The Bell Inn, Langford

- The Magdalen Arms, East Oxford (Magdalen Road)

- Oli's Thai, East Oxford (Magdalen Road)

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."