A GWENT restaurant has retained one of the highest accolades for culinary excellence.

For the second year running, The Crown at Whitebrook, Monmouthshire, has been awarded a much sought after Michelin Star - putting them in the top 2 per cent of UK eating establishments.

Beth Jones, Reception Manager at the The Crown at Whitebrook, said: "It means a great deal to all of us here, and it is a well known fact a lot of restaurants lose their Michelin Star after the first year so to retain it is a fantastic achievement," she said.

The Crown is run by experienced restaurant manager David Hennigan, and the head chef is Newport-born James Sommerin.

Ms Jones said all staff at The Crown were delighted with the award - especially at being one of only two restaurants in Wales to be given the honour.

"It is a huge accolade and to be the only one in South Wales is fantastic," she said.

Two other Gwent restaurants were also honoured in the Michelin guide.

The Hardwick in Abergavenny and The Chandlery in Newport both received mentions in the Bib Gourmand - for restaurants offering good food at moderate prices.