AN Italian eatery based in Windermere has been named as the county’s best restaurant in the Cumbria Retail Business awards 2019.

It will now go on to compete against other regional winners in a bid to be crowned the best in England. Jason Turner, executive chef and owner of San Pietro, said for the restaurant to just have been nominated and to have reached the finals was ‘phenomenal’.

“The whole night was a bit of a blur,” he said “I didn’t expect the restaurant to be called out really but we are so happy. The team are on a massive high at the moment.

“It’s great to have received such an award as everyone has worked extremely hard to get to where we are now.”

The restaurant has just celebrated its first year anniversary and its food menu has ‘something for everyone,’ according to the owner.

“We take such pride in our food” he said. “And we make sure there is something for everyone as local support means a lot to us.”

“We are so grateful that the public nominated us to represent the area.

Mr Turner added that to represent Cumbria in the regional awards was ‘amazing’ and that it had been an emotional journey for everyone.

He said: “We are a fresh business but we are a close knit team, we make up a family.”

The final takes place at York Racecourse on June 23.