A cult Brighton restaurant has come second in a critics' competition, just missing out on the top spot to a restaurant owned by TV chef Gordon Ramsay.

Barry At The Tureen, in Upper North Street, seats a maximum of only 28 yet managed to beat a number of other restaurants in the toptable.co.uk top-rated awards.

The Tureen does not have any Michelin stars, unlike Ramsay's winning Petrus in Knightsbridge, which has two. But the Brighton venue was a hit with the hardestto- please critic - the public.

Restaurant owner Barry Would, 59, said: "Of course we are very pleased with it, especially as it was chosen by the people who eat here.

"They are the people who expressed their opinion and their opinion, I think, is more important than a critic who does it for a living."

Ramsay has award-winning chef Marcus Wareing and an army of staff to ensure a great night out at Petrus. Barry has to act as chef, waiter and maitre d' to ensure guests enjoy their time at the Tureen and do not leave disappointed.

He said: "I do all the cooking and I do the front of house. I do employ one girl who helps me but on the quieter nights I do the service as well."

The restaurant has been open since 1964 and has proved a hit with the patrons who just keep returning.

On any given night, it is likely that Barry, who bought the establishment 22 years ago, knows 90 per cent of his customers.

He said: "People either love it or hate it. I have got customers who have been coming here since before my time and they love it because they like the decor and the informality of it all."

The toptable website trawled through the booking habits and reviews of their 1.6 million customers to sort out the awards.

Michelle Smith, editor at toptable.co.uk, said: "These awards are special because they are the views of the customers themselves and not those of restaurant critics.

"They say the customer is always right and that's why these awards are so sought after.

"Barry At The Tureen is a hidden gem and to be pitted against heavyweights such as Marcus Wareing and Tom Aikens is a real achievement.

"Barry's warm hospitality is the stuff of legends among our diners and proves toptable is a treasure trove for diners looking for something different."

The website review of Barry At The Tureen reads: "A small restaurant, it is something of a mini-institution among locals who love the fact that it still has the same Liberty print banquette seating it had 20 years ago. This is a restaurant that's comfortable in its own skin.

"Barry's reliable menu is predominantly English, especially the desserts (crumble, steamed pudding) and he'll occasionally cook pasta and vegetarian dishes.

Really, he aims to cater for everybody.

"For those who favour a quiet meal in a personable, intimate environment, Barry At The Tureen does very well."

richard.gurner @theargus.co.uk