Michelin says White can't give back stars

The publisher of the Michelin guide has expressed bemusement at the announcement by chef Marco Pierre White that he has "handed back" his three stars in readiness for his plans to quit cooking.

A Michelin spokesman said there was nothing to hand back, and that the restaurant would retain its three stars until it was reassessed following the hand-over to chef Robert Reid. He could not say if this would be in time for the publication of the new guide in late January.

White plans to cook his last meal at the Oak Room in London on 23 December and then focus on expanding his eight-strong chain outside London and abroad.

Meanwhile, London's other three-Michelin-star chef, Nico Ladenis, has refused to comment on speculation that he too has handed in his three stars and will retire at the end of the year.

But he did say he was opening two restaurants with cheaper, simpler menus in Westminster and Smithfield next May, to be run by a close friend , his two daughters and staff from Chez Nico, which will "probably" remain open. Ladenis will act as a consultant and plans to spend much more time in France.