A QUIRKY city centre restaurant famed for its meat has been named British Restaurant of the Year.

The hardworking staff at Ounce in The Tything have been celebrating winning the coveted Prestige Award for the central England region.

General manager Brad Pace said owner Shane Peckover and the staff were elated at being given the award.

"We are really excited about the award.

"It came as a shock to me and Shane. We have always been really proud of what we do so it is great to make a song and dance about it.

"We take a lot of pride in the quality of the produce we serve - we go to the best butchers and it is fresh home cooking.

"We are a tiny little venue but when people come in I want them to feel like they are coming into my house.

"We treat people as we would treat our family."

Ounce has been open since 2018 and was previously Marwood and the Green Man.

The restaurant centres around steaks with diners being able to select different cuts served by the ounce.

Mr Pace joined the restaurant as general manager after the first lockdown.

"We have been absolutely flat out since we reopened after the covid lockdowns.

"My first shift was when we reopened after the first lockdown and having to deal with all of that.

"It has been hard times for everyone in the industry but at Ounce we have all pulled together and really elevated the restaurant.

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"I am so proud of everyone from the kitchen team to front of house and the pot wash.

"Everyone grafts really, really hard."

Even in the traditionally quiet month of January the restaurant found itself fully booked with customers reserving tables up to a month in advance.

"Saturday nights tend to book out a couple of weeks in advance."