A popular restaurant in Stourport has been nominated for a prestigious business award.

The Quayside, which is located on Sandy Lane Industrial Estate, has been recognised in the 'Best Restaurant in Worcestershire' category by its customers. 

The restaurant has experienced "phenomenal success" over the years despite the owners taking on the lease just three weeks before lockdown. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Head chef and co-owner Scott Applegarth Head chef and co-owner Scott Applegarth (Image: The Quayside)

Co-owner and head chef Scott Applegarth, from Kidderminster, said: "We received a letter to tell us we'd been nominated by our customers and if we win we'll go through to the national finals. It is such an amazing feeling to be recognised as it's reassuring to know that all the blood, sweat and tears have paid off. 

"It hasn't been an easy journey as we signed the lease three weeks before lockdown in 2020. It meant we didn't qualify for any of the grants as we were a new business. I wouldn't have signed the lease if I had known. 

"At one stage we were left with £300 in the bank and three children to feed. We built everything in the restaurant with our own two hands out of necessity and desperation.  It was a really difficult time so to see where the business is now with a three-month waiting list for a table is incredible."

The father-of-three, who has always been a chef and learnt the trade in Australia, said the business prides itself on using the best quality produce and has a great relationship with its suppliers. 

He added that despite its "improbable" location on an industrial estate, the restaurant attracts guests from across the country including London.  

Kidderminster Shuttle: Verity Alexander Verity Alexander (Image: The Quayside)

The 50-year-old said: "The restaurant has experienced phenomenal success but it is really down to our incredible team. The business really couldn't work without them. 

"Everyone is incredibly supportive about the award nomination and the loyalty of our customers is huge. 

"My three children are also getting involved in the family business and my partner, Zoe, is always by my side. I cook but she does everything else. There would be no business without her." 

Verity Alexander, the estate agent who sold the business to Mr Applegarth but now works in the restaurant, added: "It is a real rags to riches story and a bit of a phenomenon. 

"I left my job to join the team and I've never looked back. This was Scott and Zoe's first business so to see how much it has grown has been incredible. They were so brave for making the leap and I love being part of such a great team." 

The nomination is for England's Business Awards and The Quayside is open from Wednesday to Sunday every week. 

For more information visit the restaurant's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/quaysidethe