A SUSSEX restaurant has been awarded a prestigious award as part of the 2021 Michelin Guide.

The guide originated in 1900 when French car tyre manufacturers Édouard and André Michelin published a guide for French motorists, providing maps alongside a listing of hotels, restaurants and car mechanics.

Despite the plethora of food guides released each year, the Michelin Guide remains the ultimate bible of the best restaurants.

A total of 16 new Bib Gourmand restaurants were announced in the 2021 Great Britain and Ireland selection.

Named after Bibendum – the Michelin Man – the Bib Gourmand distinction highlights restaurants offering good food at competitive prices and is a real hit with our readers.

In Sussex, The Royal, St Leonards, was one of the new Bib Gourmand winners.

READ MORE >> The Sussex restaurants listed in the new Michelin guide

The Michelin Guide read: "An addition to the 2021 guide is this friendly town centre dining pub run by three friends; it’s set within a boldly painted Victorian building and comes with a lovely vintage feel.

"The appealing menu focuses on top quality local produce, and dishes have a British heart and Mediterranean influences; perhaps roast hake with fennel, tomatoes and aioli or pork schnitzel with purple sprouting broccoli. They also serve sharing dishes for two."

This year's Michelin stars were announced in a live-streamed ceremony hosted by Davina Mccall.