A WEST Dorset restaurant has been given a gold award by judges for Taste of the West.

The Colonial Restaurant at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens was awarded the top rating in the cafe and tearoom category for being 'a very good cafe that will surprise and delight visitors to the gardens'.

The judges admitted they could not remember eating a better example of a bread and butter pudding.

Catering manager at the Colonial Restaurant, Robert Aldam, said: "We are delighted to have won a gold in the Taste of the West awards.

“As a tourist attraction café, I had thought that only more specialised cafes would receive the top prize, but through the hard work of my ladies out front and my chefs in the kitchen, we are developing our menu year on year and we have been awarded for it.”

The Taste of the West Awards programme promotes and supports the South West food and drink industry.

This year, judges evaluated almost 1,000 products and more than 300 hospitality and retail establishment entries.

Abbotsbury Tourism general manager John Houston, said: “We are very pleased and proud of what our catering team have achieved.

"We are always striving to raise our standards and make sure all our visitors have a really memorable experience – and that includes a meal or snack in the restaurant.

“As a seasonal treat, guests who book in to enjoy our Christmas lunch menu will also get free entry to the gardens.”

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens were established in 1765 by Elizabeth, the first Countess of Ilchester, as a kitchen garden for her nearby castle.

They are now among the best-known and best-loved gardens in Britain, Grade 1 Listed by English Heritage and filled with rare and exotic plants from across the world.

Stephen Griffith has been the curator of Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens for the last 24 years. He has masterminded the garden’s recovery following a great storm in 1990.

For more information, please call 01305)871130 or visit abbotsburygardens.co.uk