A SEAFOOD restaurant within a stone's throw of the Fleet has been recognised as the best in England.

The Crab House Café in Wyke Regis, Weymouth, won Best Seafood Restaurant in the Food Awards England.

Not only did it win the title for the South of England but also for the whole of the England.

The Food Awards seek to recognise the hard work and efforts of those committed to always providing communities with the freshest of products and tastes. They showcase the best restaurants, takeaways, pubs, hotel restaurants, cafes and bistros, as well as those who help to explore new flavours and cuisines from different cultures.

Now in its fifth year, the Food Awards were held at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel and saw representatives of restaurants and food producers from across the country attend.

Irfan Younis, CEO Of Creative Oceanic, said: “We have had an overwhelming response from the English public who voted for their favourite establishments and suppliers. All finalists should feel very proud of themselves as it is their clients who have put them forward to get the recognition they deserve."

The Crab House Café, which overlooks Chesil Beach and boasts its own Oyster Farm, has been serving customers for the past 13 years and is no stranger to awards and accolades.

Nigel Bloxham, chef owner at the Crab House Café, said: “We are very proud to have won this award, particularly as it’s voted for by the public. "We were up against some incredible seafood restaurants across the country and to be recognised both as the best in the South of England, and also the whole of the UK is a huge honour.

"We write our menus twice a day, all dependent on what our local fishermen have landed, meaning our dishes are always fresh and seasonal.

"This is a real team effort and every member works tirelessly to provide the highest standards and service, I am very proud of them.”

The Crab House Café is also a finalist in the Dorset Tourism Awards in the Best Restaurant/Bistro category. The awards take place on November 8.