DOUBLE Michelin-starred restaurant Gidleigh Park at Chagford has been crowned the Best in Britain by the Sunday Times newspaper.

The restaurant, run by celebrity chef Michael Caines, scored an impressive 9.86 out of 10, in the first Britain's Top 100 Restaurants published by the newspaper in partnership with the Harden's restaurant guides.

Beating the likes of Heston Bumenthal's the Fat Duck, Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley and three Michelin-starred the Waterside Inn among others, this accolade is the highlight of executive chef Michael Caines and his team at Gidleigh Park this year.

Gidleigh Park also came first in two further categories, Best Places to Stay and Wine Lists.

In the newspaper survey, thousands of people chose to spend their own money and time to dine out and report back to the Sunday Times and Hardens to devise the first Food List.

Mr Caines said: 'We're ecstatic. Gidleigh Park has been my pride and joy ever since I was appointed chef in 1994. We've gone on to hold two Michelin stars for almost 12 years and my team has never taken their eye off the ball.

'These awards mean a great deal to us and we feel like Christmas has come early. Special mentions must go to general manager Sue Williams, resident manager Sue Kendall and head sommelier Edouard Oger, who have helped to keep our standards so high in a warm and homely environment.'

Sue Williams said: 'We are absolutely thrilled. Gidleigh has a long held reputation for fine cuisine and Michael continues to innovate and create the most sublime dishes with a huge commitment to local suppliers, homegrown and seasonal produce.

'The whole team has worked hard to maintain a high standard throughout the hotel, so this award is an incredible  thank you for each and every team members continued dedication and commitment to making Gidleigh Park the very special place that it undoubtedly is.'

l Restaurant Magazine voted Gidleigh Park number 71 in the top 100 restaurants. Sue WIlliams said it was a great result in a very London focussed listing, a great acknowledgement of the amazing dining experiences available outside the city.