A PIZZA restaurant in Thornbury has won a national Italian restaurant award for the fifth year running.

La Piazza, based in Thornbury High Street, was one of nine independent pizza restaurants in the UK to win the gold award in the Pizza Pasta and Italian Food Association (PAPA) competition this year.

The awards not only judge the restaurants on their food but also on the quality of their service and establishment.

Giuseppe Ferraro, La Piazza’s head chef and owner, said: “We first won the award in 2010 but it’s getting more important every year.

“The competition is developing and it gives us an opportunity to get involved with celebrity chefs, sat next to us was Gino D’Acampo.

The awards were presented by Aldo Zilli, guest host at the awards show held at the Lancaster London Hotel.

“We’re proud to win the award,” added Mr Ferraro. “When they come in to do the inspection of the restaurant they’re looking for the whole service which means that the customer service and ambience of the restaurant has to be great.”

Judging is conducted covertly and the report for La Piazza said: “There is a strong focus on standards, particularly in terms of product, service and overall atmosphere. The dining experience is exceptional at La Piazza and pizzas they serve are outstanding.”

Guest Host, Aldo Zilli, said: "Italian food from Pasta to Pizza and everything in between is about simple ingredients of the highest quality treated with love. Italian chefs are passionate about their food and the industry as a whole is about authenticity and great produce."

For more information on the awards visit www.papa.org.uk.