WHITCHURCH restaurant Docket No.33 has received a record number of bookings following chef patron Stuart Collins' success on the Great British Menu.

Stuart was crowned winner of the 'central region' heat in the first week of the much-loved show with this year's theme of 'British innovation' and is now through to the national final, set to air in May.

Docket No.33, which has featured for two consecutive years in the prestigious Michelin Guide GB & NI, offers a carefully curated Tasting Menu with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.

Stuart said he was delighted with the support he has received from residents of the town.

He said: "Taking part in Great British Menu has been such an exciting journey.

"After a really tough year for the hospitality industry it's been a great platform to showcase my dishes and put the restaurant and town of Whitchurch on the map.

"The support has been really overwhelming; we've had to update the website server as we had over 140,000 people trying to get onto the website when the show aired.

"We're fully booked until November and our Docket at Home offering has also been really popular and sold out within 10 minutes most weekends.

"It's still new for me getting recognised when I'm out about but our customers and the local community have been incredible and we can't wait to welcome everyone back when we reopen."

After being closed for four months amid lockdown restrictions, Docket No.33 in Whitchurch is getting ready to re-open its doors on May 20.

Meanwhile, mayor of Whitchurch, Councillor Bev Duffy, said she and the rest of Whitchurch were proud of Stuart's success.

"As a town, we are extremely proud of Stuart's achievements on Great British Menu; the local support has been phenomenal," said Cllr Duffy.

"Stuart's hardworking nature and passion for food shines through everything he does.

"Docket No.33 is a wonderful restaurant and has really helped to put Whitchurch on the map with its Michelin Guide status and take on the Modern British menu.

"We wish Stuart all the very best in the finals."