Posted: January 24 2007

Chapter One, long-described as the best non-Michelin starred restaurant in Ireland, has finally joined Dublin's big three in being recognised by the culinary bible.

The Parnell Square restaurant, where chef Ross Lewis plies his art, was awarded its first Michelin star in the new edition of the guide.

Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud in the Merrion Hotel retains its two stars, while Thornton's, which remains on one star, has failed the regain the star it lost last year.

The rating for Derry Clarke's L'Ecrivain on Baggot Street stays unchanged on one star.

Michel Roux's Waterside Inn and Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck, both in Bray, Berkshire, and Gordon Ramsay in London's Chelsea held on to their positions as the only holders of three Michelin stars in Britain.

The Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2007 lists 4,839 establishments, including 3,052 hotels and guesthouses and 1,787 restaurants and pubs.