A hotel got the new year off to a “mind-blowing but magical” start after being awarded a much-coveted Michelin star.

The Bingham, on the banks of the River Thames in Richmond, has been put on the food map after receiving the top notch award for the first time.

The star concludes a triumphant period for the Grade II listed building, which scooped gold medals for best gastronomic experience and best small hotel/B&B of the year at the BT Visits London Awards at the end of last year.

It now joins The Glasshouse, in Kew, as one of only two restaurants in the borough to have achieved the world-recognised award of a Michelin star for mouth-watering food.

Shay Cooper, Bingham’s executive chef, joined the hotel in 2008 from his previous post as head chef at Olga Polizzi’s Hotel Endsleigh in Devon. His culinary career has included stints at Juniper in Manchester and The Vineyard at Stockcross.

The chuffed chef, who lives in Teddington, said: “To be acknowledged in such a way is fantastic. It is a testament to all the hard work put in by team members – past and present – over the last couple of years.”

Bingham’s owner Samantha Trinder said: “What he has been able to produce from such a tiny kitchen, with his small team, day after day is extraordinary.

“We have been very pleased with feedback from diners, and reviews so far, but for Michelin to give us this recognition is the icing on the cake.

“We have been incredibly fortunate to find Shay, a hugely talented chef with creative flair, artistic presentation, expert knowledge and an unwavering passion and commitment to his craft.

“To say the very least, it was a mind-blowing, but magical wonderful start to the year.”

The Michelin Guide to Great Britain and Ireland is now available in bookshops.

For more information visit the bingham.co.uk or call 020 8940 0902.