Ramsay charged with drink-driving

Published on Saturday 16 November 2002 00:00

CELEBRITY chef Gordon Ramsay will not face court after being charged with drink-driving, sources confirmed last night.

A former Rangers footballer, Ramsay was stopped at the wheel of his BMW reportedly driving the wrong way up a one way street in Westminster, central London, during the early hours of yesterday.

He was breathalysed by police at the scene in Old Burlington Street, then arrested and taken to West End Central police station in Saville Row, where he was later charged with driving under the influence of excess alcohol.

Following this, Ramsay, who also owns an Aston Martin, was given police bail to appear at Bow Street Magistrates Court on Tuesday. However, it is understood that no evidence will be offered and he will not have to appear in court.

A source said Ramsay, who owns the Michelin-starred Amaryllis restaurant in Glasgow, was not offered a blood test after he was breathalysed.

Although he technically still remains charged, the celebrity restaurateur was told by police yesterday that the case will now not continue.

A friend said: "Gordon has been in the kitchen all day and is incommunicado."

The 35-year-old runs a number of exclusive restaurants at home and abroad. His restaurant, Gordon Ramsay, was the first in London to be awarded three stars by the coveted Michelin guide.

Last month, he was awarded ten out of ten by the Good Food Guide for another of his London establishments, Chelsea.

Ramsay, who has four children with wife Tana, is famous for his fiery temperament and sharp tongue.

The chef was unavailable for comment last night.