A COLWYN Bay beachside restaurant has scooped a top food award.

Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias has won a prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand award, from one of 27 new ones announced last week, and one of three Welsh Bibs awards.

Named after Bibendum, the Michelin Man, the prized Bib Gourmand award highlights restaurants which offer good quality, good value cooking.

Rebecca Burr, Director of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland, said: “Prices and value for money are important, but the Bib Gourmand is about much more; it’s about the ethos and philosophy of a restaurant.

“The Michelin Inspectors love finding new Bib Gourmands and they’re always hugely popular with our readers.”

Bryn’s menu at Porth Eirias was noted as being full of Welsh produce.

The restaurant is set in a big open space creating an easy, informal mood.

Seafood takes centre stage on the menu from prawns, cod to mussels, but meat and vegetarian dishes are as important.

Denbigh-born Bryn learnt to appreciate food and its origins from an early age.

He has cooked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in London and has worked under Marco Pierre White at The Criterion, Michel Roux at Le Gavroche and was senior-sous at The Orrery for four years.

Bryn said he and his staff are very proud to have been awarded a Bib Gourmand by Michelin for exceptionally good food at moderate prices. He said: "To be recognised by Michelin, one of the oldest and best guides in Europe, is great for the whole team and the local suppliers"

His head chef at the restaurant, John Wynne added: "We are overwhelmed receiving this award by Michelin, we work closely with local suppliers to produce seasonal food"