STAR Bistro based at National Star College has won a Gold Cotswold Tourism Award for offering outstanding ‘access for all’.

The bistro offers students from the college the chance to hone their work skills in the restaurant at the same time as developing independence, confidence and self-esteem.

The restaurant will now go forward for ‘best in England’ consideration in May, as of a new partnership between Cotswold Tourism and Visit England’s national awards.

Judging was based on visits, secret shopper reports and the views of various experts and tourism enthusiasts.

Commenting on the Star Bistro, judges said: “First and foremost, the Star Bistro at National Star College on The Cotswold Way is a very good restaurant indeed. Also its ‘Access for All’ credentials are impeccable, whilst by and large being beneath the level of perception. A great restaurant without a whiff of being patronising to any of its customers. A model for the way forward.”

Cotswold Chef Rob Rees, whose charity wiggly worm is one of the partners behind the Star Bistro said: “We are accessible for all and it's great to be recognised for this. We believe in offering the most ethical and enjoyable experience and the environment and ethos at Star Bisto does just that."