A RESTAURANT in Thornbury is celebrating its continued success after being awarded with a prestigious national prize for the eighth year in a row.

Ronnies, which has been a popular venue in Thornbury for the past 9 years, claimed its eighth consecutive two AA rosette award, being recognised for culinary excellence.

Having received several other accolades in the past, the restaurant was also named the Good Food Guide restaurant of the year back in 2009.

Owner and head chef Ronnie Faulkner said of the award: “I have always aspired for the restaurant to be of the kind of standard where it would be considered a thriving success.

“So being recognised with an award is fantastic. But having done it this long, it is really something I am happy to shout about.

Suggesting the causes for success, he said: “I would like to think that it is down to the care and attention to the quality of the food and the level of service we offer.

“It is definitely a team effort. One person cannot do it alone and everyone from the kitchen staff, to the front of house and bar staff endeavour to give our customers the best experience possible.”

Offering thanks to the restaurant’s clients, he added: “We have always tried to be a community restaurant. The customers are the ones who have really helped us see success over the years and we are really grateful they continue to support us in the ways they do.”

Mr Faulkner highlighted the change in social atmosphere around the town, with a number of restaurants and eateries having opened for business in and around the town in recent years.

“Thornbury is becoming a leisure town, where people come for good food and great wine,” he said.

“Catering isn’t an easy game and there is plenty of competition out there, but we are proud to have helped opened the floodgates on this trend and hope to continue leading the charge as more great venues open.”