A RESTAURANT in Worcester has won a prestigious regional award.

The Olive Branch, in Church Street, won Best Independent Restaurant in the What's On Awards 2019, having been runners up in 2017 and 2018.

Owner Adam Giagnotti said he was thrilled at the award, saying: "We won the award because our customers decided to vote online for us.

"That really means a lot as it shows we are doing things right.

"It was a bit of a shock to be honest but we are thrilled at winning."

Over 50,000 people from across the country voted in the awards, with categories covering entertainment, leisure and food.

Adam thanked customers for their support, saying: "It really is rewarding to have customers take the time to vote for us.

"They are more to us than just customers, we really feel they are friends and it makes a massive difference when you have that friendship with them."

The restaurant was opened by Adam and his family 7 years ago and offers Mediterranean inspired dishes and tapas, with Adam's parents Rose and Cesar a key part of the business.

The restaurant offers classic tapas with a modern twist, as well as vegan options.

Adam, 37, said the idea of the restaurant is to take the idea of tapas forward saying: "The food is definitely inspired by the kind of food I had when I was younger.

"Obviously my dad is Italian so his cooking was a real inspiration.

"Our head chef Juan Miguel is from Spain and his father was one of the top chefs there so we have what we need to really make tapas even better.

"What we are going for as a business is to have a completely relaxed environment, whether you are sat outside in the sun or sat inside, nothing is too much hassle and you can just have a good time.

"Being a family run business means we really emphasise families coming here and enjoying their time here."