Two pub landlords are raising a glass after being included in the Michelin Pub Guide for the first time.

The guide for 2011 has been published, with a total of nine Kent pubs making the list.

The guide, which celebrates the best local pub grub, features more than 500 Great Britain and Ireland hostelries this year - 70 of them new.

The Red Lion in Milstead and The Pearsons Arms in Whitstable (pictured left) have both made it on to the top list for the first time.

Landlord and owner at The Red Lion (pictured right), Patrick Coevoet said "We are very pleased and also surprised."

He attributed their success to changing the menu regularly and making the pub nice and comfortable.

He said it was derelict when they took it on five years ago.

Commenting on this year's guide, Derek Bulmer, the editor says: "Our guide shows that pubs are not dying, they are merely changing.

"The traditional drinking pub has undoubtedly been suffering but those that are making efforts with their food are flourishing.

"Even some of the breweries have acknowledged this and have begun recruiting talented chefs. If there is one message it is; adapt and thrive."

The full list for Kent

Biddenden - The Three Chimneys

Dargate - The Dove

Goodnestone - The Fitzwalter Arms

Lower Hardres - The Granville

Milstead - Red Lion

Oare - The Three Mariners

Speldhurst - George & Dragon

Seasalter - The Sportsman

Whitstable - Pearson’s Arms