A CHEF says he is overwhelmed after his restaurant received recognition in two wellrespected food guides.

The Bridge Inn, in Whorlton, near Barnard Castle, has been included in Michelin’s Eating Out in Pubs Guide 2010.

The restaurant’s head chef and owner, Paul O’Hara, is also the cover star of the AA Pub Guide 2010, where The Bridge Inn is included in the Pick of the Pubs section for County Durham.

The Michelin judges were particularly impressed with the Bridge’s Dine with Wine – diners can enjoy a threecourse meal from £14, including a glass of wine.

“We are overwhelmed at the recognition we have received lately,” said Mr O’Hara, who runs the restaurant with his wife, Naomi.

“It has only been three years since we bought the place and we have worked hard at building up a reputation and it seems to be paying off.”