A RESTAURANT in Penarth has been named the best fine dining venue in Wales.

Restaurant James Sommerin which opened in 2014, located on The Esplanade, won the award at the Foods Awards Wales on Monday, April 18.

It follows recent successes including being named the best restaurant in Wales in the Good Food Guide in August 2015 and being awarded three rosettes in the AA Hospitality Awards in London in October 2015.

The Food Awards Wales which are in their second year and received thousands of nominations from the public aim to recognise the "hard work and efforts" of the Welsh food industry.

The nominations included restaurants, takeaways, gastro pubs, hotel restaurants, cafes and bistros.

It also aims to shine the spotlight on local producers who supply their ingredients.

Fresh from providing culinary treats to the public at last weekend's Penarth Picnic, James Sommerin tweeted that he was "humbled" to receive the award and recognised the value of the teamwork of those who work at the restaurant in winning the award.

Speaking after the awards, Mr Sommerin said: "It’s a real surprise and honour to have been chosen for this and won Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year from The Food Awards Wales.

"This award means so much more to us as a business and a team because it was voted for by the public.

"Both Louise and myself would like to thank all the people who took the time to vote for us, and of course, our team because without them, this would not be possible. Here’s to the future - onwards and upwards."

James Sommerin's neighbours, The Fig Tree were also nominated for an award, in the south east Wales restaurant of the year category.