Clitheroe's Tom's Table crowned best restaurant in Lancashire

Tom’s Table, off Lowergate in Clitheroe, was nominated for the award by the public back in January.

Owner Tom Drinkall said he was “taken aback” when the team received the nomination, especially after the troubles they faced during the pandemic.

Tom, from Clitheroe, got the keys for the business in January 2020 with plans to open in his hometown at Easter, unaware the country would plunge into lockdown just two months later.

But when lockdown was announced, Tom said he was “utterly dismayed”, and was left wondering if his business would fail before it had even opened - and due to unfortunate timing, the business wasn’t even eligible to apply for government grants or furlough.

Tom Drinkall (Image: Social media)

However, the team pulled through and two years later, Tom's Table is now a flourishing business.

After spending eight years working in France, Tom wanted to recreate a similar business to the modern bistros he loved spending time in over there, and says his cuisine, while being a nod to France, doesn't offer a wholly French menu - so there is something for everyone.

The England Business Awards were held at the Macdonald Manchester Hotel on Sunday, September 18, with the Tom's Table team receiving not one, but two awards.

Tom was joined by his fiancée and general manager Kate and a number of his team, and alongside the accolade of best restaurant in Lancashire, they also won the best customer service award.

Tom's Table (Image: Social media)

Commenting on the double-whammy win, Tom said: “It’s been an incredibly humbling experience to win both awards.

"I’m incredibly grateful to those who voted and for the continuous support shown to us by our lovely customers, we really couldn’t do it without them.

"I’d also like to express my thanks and appreciation to the entire Tom's Table team, who also play a huge part in making the bistro the place that it is today.”

Following the success of Sunday's awards, Tom's Table is now automatically entered into the grand finals, taking place in Birmingham in November.