By Isle of Wight Observer
The Good Food Guide has announced its 2020 award winners today & after two weeks biting their lips, they can now finally tell everyone (including the team) the fantastic news that they have been awarded ‘Best Local Restaurant’ in the South East, as well as overall winner nationally.
The Good Food Guide, owned by Waitrose & Partners, received 12,000 nominations for quality eateries in local areas that celebrate the brilliant contribution that neighbourhood restaurants make to our communities. A panel of experts then compiled a shortlist of places for the guide’s editors to make the final decision, selecting the most outstanding from each of the scheme’s six regions and an overall winner.
Editor of The Good Food Guide, Elizabeth Carter, said: “The no-fuss setting, friendly service and delicious, thoughtfully sourced, simply prepared food makes for a seductive proposition.
“It’s no surprise that the decision to award The Little Gloster the coveted Best Local Restaurant Award, both in the South East and the overall Winner, in the 2020 Guide was such an easy one. With its menu that emphasises its maritime location. The Scandi-looking restaurant is located on the north coast, near Cowes, enjoys sweeping views of the Solent from a light- flooded room of pale wood.”
The Good Food Guide by Waitrose & Partners describes the restaurant as “a real family affair”, saying “Islander Ben Cooke and his wife Holly run this Scandi-style seaside restaurant with help from mum Eileen, Ben’s Danish Grandmother ‘Mormor’ and even little Uffa – the couple’s young son who lends his name to the popular pasta made in-house. They work closely with local suppliers, most of whom have become personal friends.”
Ben & Holly Cooke, says of their award win: “We are truly blown away by receiving this award. This is a wonderful testament to what we have achieved together as a family and team, and rewards our hard work and love for what we do. The fact that we’ve been nominated by our guests and anonymously visited by Good Food Guide reviewers, makes this award even more special.
“Nine years in, we continue to push and evolve as a business yet retain our core value of offering simple yet delicious food, in a relaxed environment whilst highlighting the best of isle of wight & south coast produce.”
“The Isle of Wight has become a wonderful destination for food lovers and quality local produce. We are excited that this award could encourage more people to visit to our beautiful island to experience all it has to offer. Being a neighbourhood award, we would like to thank our locals and regulars for their continued support, we couldn’t do it without you.”
