Success on a plate for top eateries

Lichfield area restaurants scored a double success in the annual Heart of Staffordshire awards.

Swinfen Hall won the restaurant of the year award and the Mango Tree Indian Restaurant in Stonnall was also a winner.

It won the award for restaurant of the year of non-European or Asian influence. Helen Wiser, owner of Swinfen Hall Hotel, said: "We're delighted with the award, the Taste of Staffordshire competition is a great concept. There are a lot of good restaurants in Staffordshire."

"It's wonderful to put Lichfield on the map."

Director of Mango Tree Raj Ram said it was the third time in five years that they had won the county title.

"It's absolutely fantastic. We really try to maintain high standards. Ingredients are key and we do source locally, for us that is really important," he said.

"It's a prestigious award and this is our third time winning it, so we're really pleased."

Runner-up in the same category was the Garam Masala restaurant in Cannock.

There was also double joy for the team at Eden Day Spa at Hoar Cross Hall, near Yoxall, who won the awards for visitor attraction of the year and NFU best use of local produce.

Judges said that the food at Swinfen Hall was "breathtaking at times" and was very welcoming. The Mango Tree was praised as "faultlessly professional" and offering first class service.

There was also success for 99 Station Street in Burton upon Trent as best newcomer and runner-up in the brasseries of the year category.