A CLENT restaurant has been served up a treat after scooping a top Worcestershire food award.

Jaipur Cottage becomes just the second food business in the district to achieve the ‘gold’ level ‘Healthier Choices Food Award’ from Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS).

The popular Indian and Bangladeshi eatery was celebrated for its flexible, healthier menu that uses local produce and includes comprehensive allergen information.

Recognising businesses with exceptional healthier and flexible menu options, the special gold award is awarded to those that also use food that has been grown or produced locally, and already have the highest possible five-star food hygiene rating.

The restaurant, which has been run by the same family serving up Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine since 1994, also swaps higher-fat ghee for lower-fat rapeseed oil which makes most of their dishes significantly healthier.

Cllr Bronwen Behan, WRS joint committee chairman, said: “Jaipur Cottage is a great example of an independent local business reaping the rewards of taking the time and effort not only to offer a varied and flexible menu, including many healthier vegetable and fish options and using locally sourced ingredients, but also to provide full written information on any food allergens for all their dishes.

“This makes it so much easier for customers with food allergies to choose safely.

“We are delighted to present them with this gold award in recognition of their work.”

The Church Avenue-based restaurant, which has been run by the same family serving up Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine since 1994, also swaps higher-fat ghee for lower-fat rapeseed oil which makes most of their dishes significantly healthier.

Jomir Uddin, owner, said: “We feel honoured and privileged to receive the award, and to be leading the way forward in offering safe and healthier food for our customers.”

For more information about Worcestershire Regulatory Services’ Healthier Choices Food Award visit www.worcsregservices.gov.uk/food