Mr Underhill's named one of the best restaurants in UK

Mr Underhill's at Ludlow has soared up the Sunday Times' Food List, rising from 25th on the 2011 list to 10th in the 2012 version. It has also been named the region's best.

The restaurant, which two years ago was named the best all-round restaurant in the UK in the prestigious Hardens guide, is set on the banks of the River Teme.

One reviewer said of it: "It is hard to imagine how the dining experience here could be made much better."

More than 75,000 people around the UK voted for their favourites and the guide is based entirely on the quality of food.

Today Judy Bradley, who runs the restaurant with her husband, chef-patron Chris Bradley, said they were both delighted at their success.

Mrs Bradley said: "We are thrilled. To be named in the top 10 in the UK is a great achievement and is a testimony to the hard work of our staff.

"We are constantly looking to improve and this form of recognition is a real feather in our cap. In the past month, we've retained our Michelin star and now featured in the Sunday Times List.

"Because the critics and members of public are all supporting what we're doing – hopefully we're doing something right."

The Sunday Times Food List and the Hardens Guide are both considered true tests of British restaurants because they are judged by diners rather than critics.

Karen Robinson, editor of the Sunday Times Food List, said: "The Sunday Times Food List is the ultimate taste test. It represents the views of the food-loving public rather than a clique of food critics or anonymous restaurant inspectors telling us where to spend money."

Mrs Bradley added Mr Underhill's had celebrated its 30th anniversary last year and spent huge sums on a major renovation.

She said: "We have re-invented ourselves and are delighted people like what we've done. We've refurbished the restaurant, created new luxurious spa rooms and published our first book – The Cat, The Cook and The Cook's Assistant. Things are going in the right direction."