Lockwoods tops the Good Food Guide for region

Lockwoods restaurant has beaten eateries across the area to be named Best Local Restaurant in The North East in the Waitrose Good Food Guide Reader’s Awards.

The family run eatery in Ripon has been established for over 10 years and was announced as one of the guide’s regional winners last Thursday (July 30)

Lockwoods owner and chef, Matthew Lockwood said: “We are thrilled to be voted the North East Reader’s Restaurant of the Year.

“Over the last decade the team has worked hard to make Lockwoods a place where fresh, interesting dishes and drinks are created which excite our customers; so it’s great to have our hard work and passion recognised. A big thank you to all our customers, and our hard working staff.”

He added: “We have tried really hard to offer good food and good service.

“The reason I choose Ripon as the place to open 10 year ago was because it was an up and coming place and I can see how much it has developed.

“The Tour de France last year really put the city on the map, more and more people are coming to the area after seeing how lovely this part of Yorkshire is.”

Matthew worked in a number of kitchens before setting up Lockwoods in 2005. While he still likes to get back behind the stove a few days a wekk he praised head chef, Louis Miller who was formerly a sous chef at the Starr Inn at Harome and sous chef Rob Harvey who trained who previously worked with Gary Rhodes in London.

He said: “I really have a great team.”

The award attracted around 18,000 nominations after the guide called on it’s dedicated diners in March, to nominate their favourite local eatery.

Elizabeth Carter, Waitrose Good Food Guide Editor, said: “This award is a celebration of small, independent restaurants that specialise in amazing quality food, often at great value prices.

“While trained inspectors carry out all our reviews, we rely on readers to let us know about eateries that might otherwise be overlooked.

“ They are incredibly sophisticated when it comes to eating out, so it makes sense to listen to their opinions.”

The annual awards recognise the top dining establishments across the UK and are based on public nominations which are then put forward to a panel of judges.

Lockwoods has also previously been voted Neighbourhood Restaurant of the Year, one of the best places for Sunday lunch by The Times and is a regular in the guide.