Thai top of the tree in best food awards

Restaurants in Stafford and Lichfield were among the winners in the annual Taste of Staffordshire Good Food Awards.

Siam Corner Ma Ma Thai in Bird Street, Lichfield, won the best non-European or Asian restaurant of the year award

The Swan Hotel in Greengate Street, Stafford, won the brasserie of the year prize and the European influence restaurant of the year was named as the Moddershall Oak Spa at Moddershall, near Stone. The awards ceremony was held at the county showground, near Stafford, on Monday.

The banqueting award went to Packington Moor Farm, near Lichfield.

The NFU Award for best use of local produce was won by Essington Fruit Farm, near Wolverhampton, and the best newcomer award was won by the Mint Restaurant at Streetly, near Lichfield.

A special award for best use of local beers was won by the Shoulder of Mutton in London Road, Lichfield.

This year more than 70 restaurants, pubs, brasseries, tea-rooms, visitor attractions and banqueting venues entered the awards, which recognise quality, excellence and the use of local products in the county's food and drink industry.

The guest speaker at the ceremony was Councillor Ian Parry, deputy leader of Staffordshire County Council, who presented the awards to winners in front of an audience of almost 400.

The Mango Tree in Stonnall was second in the non-European and Asian restaurant category with Siam Corner Thai Marina, Barton under Needwood, in third place.

The Holly Bush, Stockton Brook, near Leek, won the pub of the year prize with The Holly Bush, Trysull, second and The Star Inn, Copmere End, Eccleshall, third.

Tea room of the year was Denstone Hall Farm Shop and Cafe, near Uttoxeter with the The Swan Hotel, Stafford, second.