POPULAR Christchurch restaurant The Kings Arms has been awarded a prestigious Bib Gourmand in the 2014 edition of the Michelin Guide.

The Kings Arms is amongst this year’s 27 newcomers in the guide and is the only Dorset restaurant to have been awarded.

The Bib Gourmand award denotes a restaurant offering high quality cuisine, with good service and value for money – the limit being £28 for three courses.

They were impressed with the unique offerings at The Kings Arms, describing it as “gutsy, no frills cooking, which is packed full of flavour”.

The Michelin inspectors added: “The Josper Grill plays a big role, as does the good value £15 weekly changing menu which is made up of produce sourced from within 15 miles. Friday is ‘Fizz ‘n’ Chips’ night and they also offer Afternoon Tea.”

Alex Aitken, who heads up The Kings Arms restaurant as chef patron, said: “I have had a secret ambition for a Bib Gourmand and we knew Michelin had inspected us.”

Lukasz Dwornik, general manager, added: “This is a fantastic achievement for The Kings Arms, the perfect award to showcase what we are all about – great food and great value.”

The Kings Arms offers the 15 mile menu, with three courses for £15, and the four course Tasting Menu at £27.50.

To celebrate their award the restaurant will be featuring Bib Dinners throughout October, encouraging diners to have fun and get messy with a hands-on menu and a bib to keep your clothes clean.

Visit thekings-christchurch.co.uk/restaurant or call 01202 588933.