An Italian restaurant in Lancashire has been named 'one of the most authentic outside Italy’ at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Buccelli’s, on Church Street in Lancaster was awarded the ‘ITA0039 Italian Taste certification’ at The Italian Awards 2022.

The certification verifies the compliance of Italian restaurants to a check-list of specific requirements regarding raw materials, personnel, menu, wine list and other criteria that ensure a true Italian culinary experience abroad.

This means that it is one of the best UK Italian restaurants outside of the country itself.

It wasn’t the only award the business scooped as their chef, Jake Brindley, was named ‘Italian chef of the year’; Buccelli’s was also highly recommended for ‘Best Deli and Café’.

Owner, Bruno Buccelli, said: “The results we have achieved this year were above any expectations and we are overwhelmed.

“I would like to thank my wife Nicola, my kids Mia, Isabella and Luca and the rest of my family who are my first supporters all the time.

“My fantastic team Ben, Bonnie, Lizzy, Esther, Eva and Sophie, Chef Theo and last but not least, the best Italian chef Jake Brindley.

“We would also like to thank our customers, without your constant support we could not achieve these prestigious prizes.

“We were so honoured to represent Lancaster in such important competition and we are proud to scream loud: Lancaster has the best Italian chef and the most authentic Italian restaurant in England.”

All the food, drink and surroundings at Buccelli’s are influenced by Bruno's Italian heritage and his family traditions.

Buccelli's is a combination of Italian ristorante, cafe and Wine Bar.

The cuisine is inspired by the food of the Rome and the Lazio region.

Many of the products from Buccelli's are authentic Italian and directly imported from Italian factories to Lancaster.

They run pasta and pizza masterclasses, wine tasting and fine dining events.