MEXICAN restaurant Chimichangos in Middlewich has been recognised as the best Mexican restaurant in England.

The restaurant, in Wheelock Street, was shortlisted for the best Mexican restaurant in the north of England and after scooping that award, the Middlewich eatery was then awarded the best in country accolade.

Jason Tanfield, Chimichangos owner, said: “We went and didn't expect to win anything, then won Mexican of the year for the north, then afterwards they did an overall winner for the whole of the country, and we won that too.

“Being told you’re the best Mexican restaurant in the country. It was such a shock we were all really excited by it.

Jason was shocked at the award but said he thinks his restaurant won because of the attention to detail that you may not get with chain restaurants.

He added: “We only use the freshest ingredients and everything's hand cooked and made onsite unlike the big chains. We're always at the top on trip advisor with over 200 reviews.”

The black tie awards evening was held at Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel and celebrated the accomplishments, determination and hard work of various professionals, establishments and businesses from England’s food sector.

Thousands of votes were received with members of the public voting for their favourite places to eat.

Irfan Younis, from event organisers Creative Oceanic, said: “We are humbled and honoured with the support from the public who voted in their thousands to ensure the best in the industry were recognised.

“We hope the public and the nominees continue to support this hard working and thriving industry which will ensure the awards grow year on year. We would like to congratulate all the winners and the finalists who truly had tough competition this year.”

Chimichangos will be celebrating being the best Mexican restaurant in the country by hosting a free tasting evening for the public.

A date for the free tasting event has not yet been set but Jason insists it will be soon and has told people to check the ‘Chimichangos Mexican Restaurant’ page on Facebook for details.