French superchef serves up in London

London's claim to be the culinary capital of the world received a dramatic boost today as a three-Michelin star chef announced he is to open his first European restaurant in the capital.

Frenchman Daniel Boulud, who has served New York gourmets for more than two decades, has snubbed his native Paris in favour of Knightsbridge.

He will launch a branch of his Manhattan bistro and wine bar Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in the spring. Heston Blumenthal, who also holds three Michelin stars, at the Fat Duck in Berkshire, has already revealed he will open his first London restaurant at the same hotel next autumn.

It means the buyers of flats worth up to £100 million in neighbouring One Hyde Park apartments will have a rich mixture of classical or contemporary cuisine on their doorsteps.

Boulud said: "The prospect of coming to London was irresistible. This new restaurant will have New York's energy and spirit, a little French soul and tradition and a touch of London style."