A RESTAURANT in the New Forest has won a top award at a black-tie ceremony held to recognise the best eating establishments in the UK.

The Cambium restaurant, part of Careys Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst, has been crowned Hotel Restaurant of the Year South in the Food Awards England 2017.

Bosses say the Cambium reflects the hotel’s “love affair” with the Forest, with head chef Alistair Craig creating dishes that showcase the area’s rich resources.

The restaurant also boasts one of the largest collections of English wine in the country, featuring vineyards such as Camel Valley, Ridgeview and Chapel Down.

Sunil Kanjanghat, general manager, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that our efforts to make Cambium one of the best hotel restaurants in the south have been recognised with this award.

“Alistair works tirelessly to explore new ways to showcase the classic ingredients we all love, and the whole team works hard to give our guests an experience to savour.”

More than 300 people attended the fourth annual Food Awards England ceremony, which was held at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel to celebrate the best of British hospitality.

Voted for by the public, the awards recognise the efforts of England’s eateries as well as shining a spotlight on local producers who provide the ingredients.

To celebrate its award, the Cambium is offering diners a complimentary bottle of wine for their table if they book their table before October 31.