FAMILY ties and good old-fashioned quality are the secret ingredients to success for Blackpool's Restaurant Of The Year.

The Smithy of Little Eccleston has scooped the top prize in the Citizen competition for then second time.

And the owner Mark Chapman and his wife Debbie who get hands-on help from Mark's parents Alan and Beryl are delighted.

Mark told the Citizen: "We are thrilled to receive the award for a second time and I think our success is down to us being very much a family run organisation.

"Also, we offer a good quality menu at reasonable prices and you just can't beat that and this award shows we are keeping up our high standards."

Mark has been busily preparing meals behind the whitewashed walls of the The Smithy for seven years. He is also proud to boast using only the freshest ingredients. They may take a little time but as he says: "The best things are worth waiting for."

And his recently presented '99 plaque will now take pride of place alongside the previous year's in the cosy dining room which offers a tempting choice.

Starters range from fettucine alla panna and home-made chicken liver pate and smoked trout with cottage cheese and chives at prices between £3 to £5.

And mouthwatering main courses include chicken with asparagus and Stilton, roast duckling with orange and cranberry and sirloin steak maitre d'hotel.

Evening specials and a la carte menu are also always on offer.

There's an early bird menu from 5.30-7pm Tuesday to Friday, a leisurely Sunday lunch from noon to 5.30pm and dinner served Tuesday to Saturday from 7-10pm.

Book a table at The Smithy, Cartford Lane, Little Eccleston, telephone (01995) 670485, today and see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

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