HARD work and a new look have paid off for a Dorchester brasserie which has won a top honour at this year’s Taste of the West awards.

Louise and Todd Moffat, owners of Taste Brasserie, accepted the award for ‘Best Casual Dining Venue in the South West’ at a ceremony at Exeter Cathedral attended by over 400 chefs, writers and producers from the food industry in the region.

Louise said: “Todd and I were thrilled to have Taste Brasserie announced as overall winners of the ‘Casual Dining’ category, a fantastic surprise and reward for us and all the team.

“We were really thrilled. We have been there now 11 years and had a refurbishment in May last year which really changed the look of the business.

“It’s a great reward to get that recognition for all that work. We have a large team and it’s for them too on the shop floor.”

The couple also own Taste Cafe at Chesil Beach after taking it over three years ago. The cafe also won Gold at Taste of the West awards and was shortlisted.

Louise added: “It’s a real sense of achievement. We both trained as chefs and spend time in the kitchens and on the shop floor.

“Maintaining really high standards all the time with food and service and the consistency is what gets results.”

The awards luncheon, now in its 23rd year, celebrates the best hospitality and retail establishments and food and drink producers across the six counties of the South West region. The winners were presented by BBC Spotlight presenter – Victoria Graham.

The award to Taste Brasserie followed a period of research and mystery shopping by Taste of the West judges earlier this year.

West Dorset firms were also celebrating after picking up prestigious awards at the ceremony.

Denhay Farm, based at Broadoak, claimed the champion meat and poultry award for the second year running, while Dorset House in Lyme Regis was named as the best bed and breakfast in the South West.

Jim Loescher, managing director of Denhay Farms, who received the award, said: “To be a finalists is a great achievement, but to go on and win as champion is a fantastic accolade to everyone involved within the business. Credit must go especially to the guys in the factory who are dedicated to ensuring that the consistency and quality of every pack is gold standard.”

Dorset House owners Lyn and Jason Martin picked up the business’ award at the ceremony.

Lyn said: “It’s an incredible boost to be recognised in this way. We’ve tried to make Dorset House the kind of place we would like to stay ourselves.

Jason said: “We cook with the best, locally produced ingredients, organic where possible. Guests love a traditional English cooked breakfast and we always offer that, but we also provide other specialities that change with the seasons. Going on holiday should be fun and we enjoy indulging our guests with treats like spelt pancakes and maple syrup.”

Bridport-based Baboo Gelato was named champion ice cream and sorbet producer for its lemon sorbet.

The Wobbly Cottage in Stoke Abbott was named champion savoury bakery and Marshwood Scrumpers was awarded champion non-alcoholic cold drink for its dry apple juice.

Annie Hanbury, founder of Baboo Gelato, said: “We’d like to thank all those who’ve given us their support and advice at our kiosk in West Bay this summer.”