Sources said that no evidence would be offered due to a procedural error by police.

The former Glasgow Rangers footballer was stopped at the wheel of a BMW allegedly driving the wrong way up a one-way street in central London.

He was breathalysed at the scene in Old Burlington Street, then arrested and taken to West End Central police station.

We have now informed him and his solicitor, both in writing and by telephone, that he is now not required to appear in court

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman would not discuss the error but it is understood the chef was not offered a blood test after being breathalysed and arrested.

The spokeswoman said: "A 36-year-old man was charged on 15 November with driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.

"The man was originally scheduled to appear on bail at Bow Street Magistrates Court on 19 November.

"We have now informed him and his solicitor, both in writing and by telephone, that he is now not required to appear in court."

Ramsay, who is married with four children, was recently voted the best chef in London.

He is known for his fiery temperament and appeared in a TV documentary Boiling Point, about his work.

His restaurants include Petrus, Gordon Ramsay At Claridges, Menu at the Connaught Hotel, Amaryllis in Glasgow and Consultancy in Dubai.