Michelin Guide 2011: women chefs recognised

Ms Darroze's accolade confirms the increasing influence of female chefs in Britain, with Skye Gyngell, who runs Petersham Nurseries Cafe in Richmond, London given a one-star for the first time.

Clare Smyth, who runs the kitchen at Gordon Ramsay's flagship restaurant – the celebrity chef spends most of his time filming television shows – was confirmed as one of just four chefs in the country to have three stars.

Women are still in a minority in the top kitchens of Britain but an increasing number are included each year in the Michelin Guide, adding to the pioneering work achieved by Ruth Rogers and the late Rose Gray at the River Cafe in London, as well as Sally Clarke.

Angela Harnett at Murano in London has kept her star, along with Frances Atkins, who runs Yorke Arms in North Yorkshire. Though Le Gavroche in London, which has two stars, is overseen by Michel Roux Jr, the kitchen is run on a day to day basis by Rachel Humphrey.