A restaurant run by a husband and wife team has once again been awarded for its quality food.

At the annual Essex Tourism and Hospitality awards, Haywards Restaurant, Bell Common, Epping, won in the 'Best Fine Dining Restaurant' category, despite only being open for two years.

The restaurant’s head chef, Jahdre Hayward, also won 'Chef of the Year'.

Mr Hayward said: “I was so pleased to win as I know the other chefs also created some great dishes at the live cooking final.

“Cooking live in a competition was something new to me so to have won after being judged throughout the afternoon in a new environment really felt like an achievement.”

The restaurant focuses on creating unusual and innovative dishes that rely on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.

Amanda Hayward, who runs front-of-house at the restaurant, said: “The last couple of months have been truly exciting for us as we not only won these awards but also featured on the BBC’s Taste of Britain show, received a mention in the Michelin Guide 2014 and were included in the Sunday Times last weekend.

“We are constantly trying to improve and these accolades indicate that we are really achieving what we set out to do in offering great fine dining in Essex.”