EXCEPTIONAL cuisine at a Worcester restaurant has been recognised and commended by the prestigious AA award scheme.

The Glasshouse Restaurant, in Church Street, is only the second in the city to receive a rosette for the quality of its food.

Proprietor Brandon Weston said only Brown's Restaurant, on South Quay, held the accolade until this year.

"We were in the hotel and restaurant guide and were obviously visited anonymously by an AA inspector," he said.

"The rosette is awarded for top quality that has to remain consistent.

"If it isn't kept up, the award will be taken back."

Judges state that "at the simplest level, one rosette, the chef should display a mastery of basic techniques and be able to produce dishes of sound quality and clarity of flavours, using good, fresh ingredients."

The Glasshouse says it offers "outstanding, innovative cooking that won't cost you the earth in a stylish, informal and relaxed atmosphere"'

Mr Weston was extremely pleased the restaurant had been recognised within only 18 months of trading.

"We describe the food we offer as a modern British menu," he said.

"A great deal can be attributed to our head chef, Calum MacCrimmon."

Representatives of The Glasshouse will pick up a commemorative plate, donated by Villeroy and Boch, at the Restaurant Show at Olympia this October.