A Henley-in-Arden restaurant has been named as the Midlands’ regional winner in The Good Food Guide Readers’ Restaurant of the Year Awards.

The Bluebell emerged triumphant after more than 44,500 food lovers put forward their favourite restaurants, pubs and cafés from around the UK for the annual awards.

Judges then sifted through the nominations to pick the winners.

To qualify for the awards, restaurants needed to be independently run and offer regional or local produce.

Bluebell owner Duncan Taylor said: “We are thrilled to have won the award, particularly as this is voted for by the people that matter most to us – our diners.

“We’ve got a great team here at The Bluebell who, together with our superb local suppliers, all thoroughly deserve this recognition – a big thank you to them and to all who voted for us.”

Elizabeth Carter, consultant editor of The Good Food Guide said: “Duncan and Leigh Taylor’s ancient inn has a quirky but appealing modern outlook, a genuinely lovely line in hospitality and tempting menus giving local ingredients top billing. But it’s the robust, rustic cooking that draws the loyal following.”

The Bluebell was one of ten regional winners from around the UK, one of whom will go on to be named as the overall Restaurant of the Year on June 20.