A popular restaurant in Stourport has been crowned the best in Worcestershire at a prestigious awards ceremony. 

Staff at The Quayside were "blown away" when they were named the best restaurant in the county at the England Business Awards 2024. 

Describing the win as a "whirlwind", the whole team gathered to celebrate the occasion at the black tie event in Birmingham on Sunday, May 5. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Vee Alexander, Zoe Chapple and Carrie Horseborogh-WebbVee Alexander, Zoe Chapple and Carrie Horseborogh-Webb (Image: The Quayside)

Co-owner and head chef Scott Applegarth, aged 50, said: "We were just blown away. The whole evening was an absolute whirlwind and a bit of a blur.

"To win in our regional category came as a huge shock especially seeing where we started during lockdown but it is down to our incredible staff. It would be impossible to be where we are as a business without their hard work."

The seafood restaurant, which offers a variety of top-quality food and drink, has experienced phenomenal success over the years despite the owners taking on the lease just three weeks before lockdown. 

The father-of-three, who has always been a chef and learnt the trade in Australia, said the business prides itself on using the best quality produce and has a great relationship with its suppliers including W Harvey and Sons based in Cornwall. 

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The team, including Mr Applegarth, his partner Zoe Chapple, Vee Alexander and Carrie Horseborogh-Webb, have also thanked their customers for their "incredible" support and for voting for them. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: The team have thanked their suppliers and customers for their support The team have thanked their suppliers and customers for their support (Image: The Quayside)

Mr Applegarth added: "It really does take a village to make the restaurant a success. I just want to say a huge thank you to all our suppliers and our amazing customers for their incredible support. 

"They have really been with us every step of the way and travelled on this journey with us since we first opened. 

"We are now looking forward to the national final in November. We're not too confident about winning as we will be up against really tough competition but crazier things have happened and we'll give it our best shot." 

The national final is set to take place in November where the regional winners will go head-to-head to be crowned the best restaurant in England. 

The Quayside is located on Sandy Lane Industrial Estate and is open from Wednesday to Sunday every week. 

For more information visit the restaurant's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/quaysidethe