SEVERAL of west Dorset’s finest places to eat have made the final of a top hospitality award scheme.
The region's pubs, hotels and restaurants have learnt whether they have got into the final selection for this year's prestigious Trencherman’s Awards.
The Trencherman’s Guide showcases the best of the best when it comes to places to eat and stay in the south west and the awards are voted for by tens of thousands of its readers.
West Dorset is well represented in this year’s awards with businesses from Lyme Regis, Burton Bradstock and West Bexington all making the cut.
Lilac Restaurant and Wine Bar, in Lyme Regis, is up for two awards in the award for creativity and innovation as well as owner Harriet Mansell being nominated in the best chef category.
Harriet Mansell, said: "The team at Lilac are absolutely delighted to have been nominated in two categories at this year's Trencherman's Awards.
"It really does mean a lot to be nominated by such a prestigious awarding body, so synonymous with quality and excellence.
"We are thrilled to be in esteemed company as finalists, with many of our talented neighbours and friends also nominated for awards.
"It is wonderful to see the celebration of such abundant talent here in the west country, and a complete testament to the incredible farmers, producers and produce that we are lucky to be able to proudly support and showcase."
Another Lyme Regis restaurant, Tom’s Kitchen, will be hoping to win the ‘Best Front of House Team’.
The owner of the popular eatery situated on the beach, Tom Robinson, is ‘excited’ to have made it this far and praised his staff for all their hard work.
He said: “The front of house team is very happy.
“They work incredibly hard to give a refined and non-invasive service and are very hard working personable people.
“They give everything that I would want and I absolutely chuffed with them.
“My manager is responsible for all the training and hard work – the Trencherman’s book is fantastic, and the awards are very just and to be in the mix is wonderful.”
In West Bexington, The Club House is in the running to claim the 'Best Bar Award'.
Ferenc ‘Fefe’ Kovacs, manager and sommelier at The Club House, was proud to have finally made it to the final after being shortlisted two years in a row without making the cut.
"It’s a huge achievement for us, two years we have been shortlisted.
"We always try to use local ingredients and improve the experience for our guest – we have introduced a lot of local things on our menu."
The Seaside Boarding House, in Burton Bradstock is also delighted to be in the hunt for the ‘Best Hotel Award’ saying ‘It’s great, we have been pushing for it and we can’t say we are surprised’.
The Three Horseshoes Pub, also in Burton Bradstock, will be looking to claim the ‘Best Pub Award’.
An awards ceremony will be held at Bovey Castle on Dartmoor on Monday, April 29.
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