The credit crunch monster has certainly eaten his share of restaurants in the past few months, and is so undiscerning that several high-profile names have been swallowed whole.

Tom Aikens acted as an unsavoury appetiser that subsequently reappeared; Anthony Worrall Thompson’s company AWT Restaurants disappeared next, claiming its bank refused to supply extra funding, and now Jean Christophe-Novelli has reportedly been forced to give up his two gastropubs, the White Horse in Harpenden and the French Horn at Steppingly.

It’s certainly not the best of times for restaurants who are forced to resort to price slashing measures in order to keep their bookings diary in use, but for the average diner it’s a great tasting opportunity.

Chris Wood, the managing director of Toptable, an internet restaurant booking service, says there has never been a better time for diners to experience some of the UK’s best Michelin-starred restaurants. “Many of them have always offered great value prix fixe menus particularly at less busy times of the week, but many more are doing the same.

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“Diners can also expect particularly good service. The canny restaurant operators are making an extra effort to really look after their diners including those choosing the value offers. In this economic climate no restaurateur can afford to drop standards and for a Michelin-starred operation they must remain consistently good to retain their Michelin status.”

ONE STAR*

Nahm

The Halkin
Halkin Street
London, SW1X 7DJ

Lunch: Set menu for £25

Offer available: 12pm-2.30pm Mon-Sat

Nahm is the acclaimed restaurant from celebrated Australian Chef, David Thompson. The first Michelin starred Thai restaurant in Europe, it is quite simply an inimitable experience - for serious gourmands who value originality and inspired creativity. Cuisine is based on ancient Royal Thai traditions. You can sample stir fried rice noodles with fresh prawns, chinese chives and bean sprouts; kanom jin noodles with crab, prawns and chilli jam; or stir fried rice noodles with chicken, squid, asian celery and spring onions followed by a selection of Thai desserts.

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