A TATTENHALL restaurant has been named the 2011 Wine Bar of the Year in a national competition.

Mitchells Wine Bar & Brasserie on Tattenhall's High Street, won the accolade through online food and drink guide, Les Routiers, who are renowned for recognising quality hospitality in hotels, restaurants and bars across the UK.

Since owners Martin and Peterene Cocking took over Mitchells six years ago, they have built a successful following of regulars thanks to events like world theme evenings, where wines from all over the world complement foreign cuisine.

And the couple are no strangers to awards – their previous pub The Bear and Barrel in Cotebrook, won national Best Pub of the Year in 2000.

Martin said it has been “fantastic” to win an accolade at a time when customers are making cutbacks.

He said: “It's great to get a boost like this. Industries are finding it tough with all the cutbacks at the moment.

“This award is great for the business and it's nice to be recognised for the work we do day in and day out.”

Mitchells Wine Bar will be hosting a Spanish themed evening on Friday March 27, where customers can enjoy Spanish cuisine, a range of Spanish wine and listen to Spanish music.

For information, contact Mitchells on 01829 771477.