A RECORD number of restaurants, pubs, cafes and other food and drink providers have won a county’s highest quality award this year.

Thirty-four venues across County Durham were awarded the Highest Quality Assured status in the annual Taste Durham awards, with 22 of those also declared a Local Produce Champion for their use of local suppliers and produce.

Byron’s Bar and Grill at Seaham Hall scored so highly in the independent assessment, carried out by national body Quality in Tourism, it was ranked among the top four per cent nationwide.

Additionally, 33 venues received Quality Assured status.

Organisers were also pleased the number of entrants increased by 28, taking the total to 77.

The awards were handed out at a ceremony on Monday (March 30).

Ivor Stolliday, chairman of Visit County Durham, said: “The food and drink sector is a significant contributor to the visitor economy.

“It supports more than 4,100 jobs and brings in more than £225m to the county’s economy, about 50 per cent of the visitor spend.

“The Taste Durham mark can provide customers with exactly what they want – independent and trusted information about where to eat. It showcases local eateries that provide a quality experience from cafes to find dining restaurants across Durham.”

Monday’s ceremony also saw the launch of the new Durham Food and Drink Guide. For more information, visit tastedurham.co.uk