Three west Suffolk restaurants have made it onto a list of the top 50 in the UK outside of London, voted for by customers.

Square Meal magazine has revealed the nation’s favourite restaurants after readers, bloggers and its team of reviewers cast their vote in its annual survey.

Following the 2,400 votes, the Great House in Lavenham came 40th and Maison Bleue in Bury St Edmunds 44th. Meanwhile, Pea Porridge in Bury St Edmunds was listed as 37th.

Both the Great House and Maison Bleue are owned by Regis Crepy and his wife Martine and have won several accolades in the past.

Mr Crepy said: “We have got plenty of awards, it’s true, but any award is extremely good for us, and this one especially because it has come from the customers’ point of view.”

He added: “It’s absolutely fantastic, and it’s also this acknowledgement as one of the best restaurants in the country which is always a great achievement and a great compliment. We are very proud of it.”

He felt what made Great House and Maison Bleue stand out was “care and passion”.

“For Pascal and Karine Canevet (managers) at Maison Bleue, Thierry Pennec and Enrique Bilbault (manager and head chef respectively at the Great House) and myself and my wife, there’s not one day when we don’t think what we can improve.”

He said with more and more chain restaurants opening up it was “fantastic” to see independents achieving accolades.

Owners of award-winning Pea Porridge, Justin and Jurga Sharp, were unavailable for comment yesterday, but its entry in the top 50 list described it as a “hidden treasure”.

It said: “Quirky and ‘refreshingly different’ eatery noted for its adventurous cooking, unusual cuts of meat and ‘natural’ wines.”