A RESTAURANT in Malmesbury has been recognised as one of the best in the country.

The Dining Room, one of two restaurants at Whatley Manor, has been ranked 21st in the Good Food Guide this year.

Whatley Manor saw off stiff competition to gain a top 50 spot in the highly respected list, beating the likes of Heston Blumental’s London restaurant, Dinner.

The top 50 recognises the very best talent in the country and a place on the list represents a huge achievement, with each position earned by its score in The Good Food Guide, editor appraisal and strength of reader feedback.

Martin Burge, executive chef at Whatley Manor, said the recognition was a “great morale booster for the team”.

He continued: “In The Dining Room we offer a choice of three seven-course tasting menus that take guests on a culinary journey and showcase the very best seasonal ingredients combined with a series of highly-accomplished cooking techniques.

“We strive to be innovative and creative in our approach.

“The style of service is friendly and informed, another reason why we receive this acclaimed recognition.

“We hope that it encourages diners from the local area, as well as further afield to try us out.”

When asked if the restaurant had a stand-out dish, Martin said: “Just recently we have launched a fascinating new dish that comprises of horseradish snow and Heritage Beetroot, over dry ice.”

The Dining Room has been featured in the top 50 of the Good Food Guide before, but Martin says there is never a guarantee of a repeat placement, so it can be “nerve-wracking” for their chefs.

Speaking about this year’s Good Food Guide, Elizabeth Carter, consultant editor of the Waitrose Good Food Guide, said: “From yurts to campsites, bike shops to shipping containers, the vessel in which a good restaurant sails is no barrier to entry in our guide.

“We look for great food wherever we can find it - and that's sometimes in highly unusual places.

“With an army of Good Food Guide readers on the ground, and our inspectors scouring the length and breadth of the UK.

“We check out as many recommendations as we can to make sure that no stone is unturned and no good eating opportunity missed; and this year we’ve found some excellent cooking in some very unexpected places, giving even greater choice to our readers.”

The Good Food Guide will be available to buy at Waitrose from September 5, priced at £12.99 and can also be pre-ordered now at thegoodfoodguide.co.uk