The team at a fine dining restaurant near Norwich is "over the moon" after being awarded a coveted third AA Rosette for culinary excellence.

The Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross was bumped up from two to three Rosettes at the AA Hospitality Awards ceremony held on September 25 in London and presented by Claudia Winkleman.

The AA, known for its rigorous inspections and recommendations of hotels and restaurants, only gives this high rating to a select few establishments that demonstrate an "outstanding" standard of cuisine.

Eastern Daily Press: The Wildebeest is located in Stoke Holy Cross Picture: Tori O'ConnorThe Wildebeest is located in Stoke Holy Cross Picture: Tori O'Connor (Image: Tori O'Connor)

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Restaurants with three Rosettes "demand national recognition well beyond their local area" and the maximum is five, for places where the "cooking compares with the best in the world".

Eastern Daily Press: The Wildebeest has been recognised for its outstanding cuisine Picture: Tori O'ConnorThe Wildebeest has been recognised for its outstanding cuisine Picture: Tori O'Connor (Image: Tori O'Connor)

Under the guidance of chef-patron Daniel Smith from The Ingham Swan, which also holds three AA Rosettes, and head chef Fabio Miani, The Wildebeest has long been recognised for its dedication to delivering top-notch food, drink and service. 

The menus are inspired by locally sourced ingredients from Norfolk's abundant larder.

Eastern Daily Press: L-R Connor Baines, chef, Mortimer Fraser, chef, and Fabio Miani, head chef, at The Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross Picture: Tori O'ConnorL-R Connor Baines, chef, Mortimer Fraser, chef, and Fabio Miani, head chef, at The Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross Picture: Tori O'Connor (Image: Tori O'Connor)

Mr Miani said: "We are absolutely over the moon to be awarded this prestigious accolade.

"We strongly believe in authentic flavour combinations, textures and colours and are committed to serving up flavoursome dishes that we know our customers will love."

Mr Smith added: "It is the passion from everyone at The Wildebeest that makes us one of the very best restaurants in Norfolk and indeed the UK.

Eastern Daily Press: The chef-patron of The Wildebeest Daniel Smith (centre) with his team Picture: Tori O'ConnorThe chef-patron of The Wildebeest Daniel Smith (centre) with his team Picture: Tori O'Connor (Image: Tori O’Connor)

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"Having the AA's seal of approval and being awarded three Rosettes is a huge accolade for us.

Eastern Daily Press: Inside The Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross near Norwich Picture: Tori O'ConnorInside The Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross near Norwich Picture: Tori O'Connor (Image: Tori O'Connor)

"Norfolk is in our blood, and we will continue to drive up awareness for our county as a leading food-led destination."

The Wildebeest will be featured in the upcoming AA Restaurant Guide, which is set to be published this autumn.

Across the border in Suffolk, 1921 Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds has also just been awarded three AA Rosettes.