Westcountry

Fifteen Cornwall won gold at this year's Enjoy England Awards on Wednesday 23 April, scooping the top award in the 'Taste of England' category, against hundreds of other entries from across the country.

Representatives from the social enterprise restaurant at Watergate Bay travelled to Liverpool, the European City of Culture, to the award ceremony at St George's Hall which was held appropriately on St George's Day.

Fifteen Cornwall received Objective One investment via ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) for the capital build and ESF (European Social Fund) for training of the young people. The ESF investment was delivered via the Learning and Skills Council and Jobcentre Plus.

Now in their 19th year, the Enjoy England awards are affectionately known as the 'Tourism Oscars'. They promote healthy industry competition and high standards, helping to ensure England's place as a world-class destination.

Fifteen Cornwall was awarded the 'Taste of England' gold award, not only on excellence of service and customer care, but on their food sourcing and environmental policies.

The award ceremony was hosted by actor Ben Miller, who starred in the ITV series Moving Wallpaper, the sit-com sister show to Echo Beach which was filmed at Watergate Bay.

Accepting the Taste of England gold award on behalf of Fifteen Cornwall were executive chef Neil Haydock and general manager Polly Dent.

Speaking after the ceremony, Fifteen Cornwall's chief executive Dave Meneer said: "To win such a prestigious award is absolutely amazing and a big victory for Cornwall. We're committed to sourcing more than 80 per cent of our ingredients from local suppliers and I'm sure that the fabulous quality impressed the judges and helped us win gold.

"I'm extremely proud of all of the awards that we win but to receive a top national award for the dining experience that we offer is a testament to the talent of the team."

Keen to celebrate Fifteen Cornwall's success, Dan Rogerson, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for North Cornwall said: "Having eaten at Fifteen myself - most recently to celebrate my wife's birthday - I know how richly deserved this award is.

"Fifteen doesn't just provide good service to its customers but to the whole community, by giving some of Cornwall's most disadvantaged young people the opportunity to experience working in one of the country's top restaurants, as a complement to college study. Many congratulations to everyone involved."

Fifteen Cornwall was entered for the award after winning gold in the Taste of the South West category at South West Tourism's Excellence Awards last November, which automatically qualified the restaurant for an entry into the national contest, competing against winners from across the rest of England.

Last month, Fifteen Cornwall was also named as 'Best Location' in the Observer Food Awards for the second year running.

To make a reservation at Fifteen Cornwall call 01637 861000 (reservation lines are open from 9am-7pm, seven days a week) or book online at www.fifteencornwall.co.uk.