Two Lyme Regis restaurants win at Trencherman's Awards

The Trencherman's Awards were dished out earlier this week with Tom’s Lyme Regis and Lilac Restaurant and Wine Bar taking home a prize apiece.

They were the only winners from Dorset, although some local venues were finalists.

Both restaurants have been recognised for their excellence, with Tom’s Lyme Regis taking home the ‘Best Front of House’ award and Lilac Restaurant and Wine Bar winning the ‘Award for Creativity and Innovation’.

Tom Robinson, patron chef and owner at Tom’s Lyme Regis, picked up the award with his general manager Roger Moretto and was not expecting to take home the coveted prize.

Roger Moretto (centre left) and Tom Robinson (centre right) from Tom's Lyme Regis (Image: Trencherman's Awards)

He said: “Very chuffed, and surprised, as there was a good calibre of restaurants in the mix.

“The fact we are quite new and got good public support shows how we are growing as a business.

He added: “I am absolutely thrilled for my front of house team, it is a big deal, it was unexpected and we are delighted.”

Tom's Lyme Regis (Image: Google Maps)

Harriett Mansell, chef and owner at Lilac, was also pleased to have been recognised at the awards night.

Not only did the restaurant win the innovation and creativity award, but Harriet was also a finalist for the best chef award.

| Harriet Mansell (centre) picking up the award for Lilac (Image: Trencherman's Awards)

She said: "The team were absolutely thrilled to have been nominated, and even more so to have won the award. 

"Creativity and innovation are amongst our core values at Lilac, so to be recognised in this category is just fantastic. 

"We are really passionate about using local, seasonal ingredients to create a really exciting, ever changing menu. 

"There is a real buzz around the west Dorset food scene at the moment, which is so exciting for local hospitality businesses.

"We are so thrilled that so many local businesses are being recognised for their achievements."

Lilac Restaurant and Wine Bar in Lyme Regis (Image: Google Maps)

The event which took place at Bovey Castle on Dartmoor saw the best of the south west’s culinary industry treated to a stunning four-course meal, cooked by last year's winners.

The county was well represented at the awards ceremony with five other establishments all making it to the finals night. 

The Seaside Boarding House, in Burton Bradstock was in the running for the ‘Best Hotel Award’, whilst The Three Horseshoes Pub, also in Burton Bradstock, narrowly missed out on the ‘Best Pub Award’, and in West Bexington, The Club House almost grabbed the 'Best Bar Award' 

Meanwhile, The Catch at the Old Fish Market in Weymouth was a finalist in the 'Newcomer Award' category and in Sherborne The Clockspire was up for the 'Best Restaurant Award'.

Trencherman’s Guide editor Abi Manning added: "It’s always a delight to gather the very best of the south west’s hospitality scene in one room.

"Trencherman’s restaurants represent the best of the best in the region, so competition is tough and being a finalist in itself is a huge achievement."