A north Norfolk chef and restaurant owner is celebrating after receiving a prestigious award from the Waitrose Good Food Guide.

Eastern Daily Press: Daniel Smith, owner and head chef at the Ingham Swan.Picture: James BassDaniel Smith, owner and head chef at the Ingham Swan.Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2014)

Daniel Smith, who took over the Ingham Swan in 2010, said it was 'great news' the business was named the Readers' Restaurant of the Year for the East of England.

Mr Smith, who previously worked at Morston Hall and The Wildebeest in Norwich, said: 'This is something that we have strived for since we started in spring 2010 and we are overjoyed to be recognised by both our loyal customers and the Waitrose Good Food Guide.'

Mr Smith, who highlighted his restaurant's use of fresh, local ingredients including crab and lobster, was presented with the award at an all-star event on Monday at the Waitrose Cookery School in London.

Elizabeth Carter, consultant editor of The Good Food Guide, said it was no surprise the Ingham Swan, near Stalham, had come out on top. She said: 'Such classic country-pub, good looks and top-notch food are a winning combination and we know from the glowing reports we receive that the cooking never disappoints – our readers tell us that Daniel Smith's cooking offers them something really rather special.

Eastern Daily Press: Daniel Smith, owner/head chef at the Ingham Swan receiving his award from the Waitrose Good Food Guide. Picture: JEFF HOPKINSDaniel Smith, owner/head chef at the Ingham Swan receiving his award from the Waitrose Good Food Guide. Picture: JEFF HOPKINS (Image: copyright jeff hopkins)

'But the Ingham Swan's entire team should be congratulated for striking the perfect balance between cosy local eaterie and serious foodie destination.'

The Readers' Restaurant of the Year Awards celebrate local restaurants, pubs and cafés, as nominated by members of the public. Each winning restaurant will feature in the 2015 edition of the guide, published on September 8.

To qualify for the awards, aimed at championing neighbourhood eateries, restaurants needed to be independently run and offer regional or local produce where possible.

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