FOUR of the region's top restaurants have been ranked among the best in the country in this year's Food Awards Wales ceremony.

Sugarloaf Catering, Scrumptious Monmouth, Basil and Rusty's Ice Cream and The Priory Caerleon all took home prizes at the prestigious event.

Sugarloaf Catering from Blaenavon was named as Caterer of the Year, Scrumptious Monmouth took home the award for Outstanding Restaurant of the Year, Caerphilly's Basil and Rusty's were named Dessert Outlet of the Year and The Priory in Caerleon emerged as Hotel Restaurant of the Year: South East.

The Food Awards Wales 2019 welcomed more than 500 guests at the Cardiff City Stadium, on Monday, May 13 in big a celebration of the hard work of those who provide us with delicious food and unique flavours.

The awards recognised the achievements of local suppliers, wholesalers, chefs and establishments amongst others who always serve the community with the freshest of products and work tirelessly within their establishments to deliver great experiences to their diners. The winners are a true reflection of the quality and excellence that remark the Welsh food industry.

The elegant ceremony was hosted by the award-winning broadcaster, Polly James.

She welcomed on stage meritorious individuals, acknowledged for providing visitors and residents with great gastronomic delights and working within establishments where excellence is a standard.

Several of the awards were split into local regions to ensure the diverse range of businesses from across the country are recognised for their exceptional work.

A spokesperson for the Food Awards Wales 2019 said: “We are very delighted to have welcomed such great finalists and winners at the Food Awards Wales 2019 and we would like to thank the public for making these awards the leading celebration of the country’s food industry.

“The purpose of the Food Awards Wales was to acknowledge the professionals that care for their diners or customers at a national scale. The awards celebrated everything food related and provided a platform to thank those who have dedicated their whole career in providing us with portable dishes, the freshest of ingredients as well as those who help us explore new flavours.

“We would like to congratulate all finalists and winners for their amazing achievements.”

The awards also provided the opportunity to fundraise for a worthwhile cause and helped raise money for the official charity partner, Make A Wish Foundation UK who grant magical wishes to children and young people, fighting life-threatening conditions.