TWO seafood restaurants have been named among the best seafood restaurants in the country.

Seabeats in Weymouth and The Crab House Cafe in Wyke Regis have both been shortlisted for the South region at the 2022 Food Awards England. The awards, aimed at celebrating the best food in the industry, have run since 2014.

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The Crab House Cafe took the Best Seafood Establishment crown at the 2018 ceremony and doubled up by claiming the title for the whole of England. In 2019 the seafood specialists scooped ‘Restaurant of the Year’ at the British Restaurant Awards.

Bill Hayne, Operations Manager at the Crab House said: “It’s fantastic to be nominated again. It’s absolutely brilliant for all of the team - both in the kitchen and front of house - to get that recognition. It’s wonderful for the local area, obviously, to get two restaurants nominated and we’re looking forward to a very busy year.”

Family-run Seabeats was crowned the South’s Best Seafood Establishment at the 2019 Awards and has made it back-to-back nominations by reaching the shortlist this time around. Adam Foster, head chef at Seabeats, was born in Weymouth and studied at Weymouth College: he was head chef at the Crab House Cafe for nine years before opening up Seabeats in 2017.

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Shane Timbrell, Director at Seabeats, and Adam Foster said: “We would like to thank all our hard working staff in these challenging times, all our loyal customers for their continued support and it is an honour to be nominated two years in a row, whether we win or lose it is a great privilege to be recognised again this year for all the hard work.”

The two establishments face stiff competition from The Crab & Lobster (Chichester), Purslane Restaurant (Cheltenham), The Cricket Inn (Kingsbridge), Dennys Lobster & Oyster Seafood Restaurant (Chislehurst) and The Company Shed (Colchester).

A spokesperson for The Food Awards England said: “The finalists were voted for by the public for providing authentic recipes and unique dishes to their diners, creating memorable experiences for both residents and visitors.”

Winners will be announced at a black-tie gala in Manchester on June 6th.