THE Chester Grosvenor and Spa has the only restaurant in the north of England to be awarded a much coveted Michelin star for 19 years in a row.

The star is in recognition of the quality of the cuisine offered by its fining dining restaurant, Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor, formerly known as The Arkle.

Stars are awarded by the Michelin Red Guide, a series of annual guide books published by Michelin for more than a dozen countries.

It is the oldest and best-known European hotel and restaurant guide first published by André Michelin as a guide to France to help drivers maintain their cars, find decent lodging, and eat well while touring.

Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor is now one of only five restaurants in England to have been awarded a Michelin star for 19 years in a row, and one of only three restaurants within a hotel to achieve the feat. The accolade is a great achievement for Simon Radley, executive chef and director of catering, who joined The Chester Grosvenor and Spa in 1986 and went on to become head chef within seven years.

The restaurant was refurbished and renamed in honour of his culinary expertise during the summer 2008 and has since attained 4 AA rosettes while the hard working team has won two prestigious Hotel Catey awards.

Simon said: “My brigade and I are thrilled to have retained our Michelin star for the 19th year. It is always rewarding to be recognised for your efforts and the restaurant and kitchen teams work hard all year round to ensure that the high standards of service and cuisine are upheld and improved upon year on year.” Grosvenor hotel marketing manager,

Penta Clark, said the closest restaurant to achieve similar success was the Croque-en-Bouche in Great Malvern, which held one star consecutively from 1981 to 2002 – 22 years.