'Customers to blame' as only Michelin star fades

GUERNSEY'S only Michelin-starred restaurant will close its doors at the end of this month.

Christophe Vincent, chef-proprietor at Christophe, has handed back his Michelin star and said it was a huge relief.

'Because we were the only one on the island, there was nowhere for people to compare us to. They expect perfection but that is three stars, not one,' he said.

Mr Vincent said islanders assumed that, with the Michelin seal of approval, it was a formal restaurant with exorbitant prices.

He joins a growing list of chefs handing back what has always been regarded as the catering industry's highest accolade.

'When I had it the first time it was good for my ego, I was 30-years-old, but now it is not important to me,' he said.

He has held a Michelin star for eight years, having previously been awarded one at Cafe du Moulin.

'There is no more pressure, I put myself under a lot of pressure and people have expectations which are way too high,' said Mr Vincent.

Christophe opened in February 2006.

'I am not sad about it closing - it is not something that lives it is just a restaurant,' he said.