Mr Underhills at Dinham Weir, one of only two Michelin one-star restaurants in Ludlow, had cause for a double celebration this month.
A survey of 8,000 restaurant-goers for the publication of the Harden’s UK Restaurant Guide 2010 voted that the celebrated restaurant with rooms in Ludlow, should receive the Rémy Martin Award for All-Round Excellence.
The charms of the establishment run by Chris and Judy Bradley enabled it to eclipse a raft of better-known names for top position.
Runners-up included Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, near Oxford, and The Waterside Inn, at Bray.
Judy Bradley said: “The award has left us almost speechless.
“For 29 years we have been quietly beavering away – never dreaming of winning such an accolade.
“We send a huge thank you to Harden’s and to all our staff and supporters for helping to make it possible.
“Rejuvenated, we have firmly put any thoughts of retirement on the back-burner for at least a couple of years!”
Last year the couple said they wished to retire and the restaurant on the banks of the Teme was offered for sale for £1.1 million.
That was back in September but, now, the couple say they have changed their minds – and part of the reason for that change was winning the Harden’s award.
The only other Ludlow Michelin-starred restaurant is La Becasse, run by rising star Will Holland, who makes frequent television appearances and is rated among the best chefs in the UK.