A prestigious west Suffolk restaurant has been presented with a Michelin plaque, continuing to be the only eatery in the county to boast a Michelin Star.

Pea Porridge in Bury St Edmunds was presented with its first Michelin Star in 2021, a decade after it was given the Michelin Bib Gourmand award.

It was revealed that the town centre restaurant had retained its one star when the Michelin Guide 2023 was released in March.

"It's like the culinary Oscars," said owner Justin Sharp, 46.

"Retaining our Michelin Star for a second time is definitely something for our team to be proud of."

Holding the only Michelin Star in Suffolk, Mr Sharp added: "Not only is it a fantastic personal achievement, but it's also good for both Bury St Edmunds and wider Suffolk.

"We wear it with pride."

East Anglian Daily Times: Pea Porridge has retained its Michelin Star for the third year running.Pea Porridge has retained its Michelin Star for the third year running. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

On Friday, Pea Porridge was presented with a Michelin plaque to mark the achievement, celebrating our county's first Michelin Star in more than 40 years.

First opened in 2009 by Mr Sharp and his wife Jurga, the Pea Porridge name is a nod to the old town green which was once located in front of it.

The restaurant regularly varies its menu, taking inspiration from North African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences.

It hasn't, however, abandoned its Suffolk roots, with Mr Sharp and the team striving to champion local suppliers by utilising their ingredients wherever they can.

Late last year, Pea Porridge received a specially-commissioned watercolour house portrait from Andrew Whitehouse.

The artist, who has recently retired from the NHS, chooses architecturally quirky, interesting and unusual buildings to paint and the artwork now hangs inside one of the restaurant's three dining rooms for the enjoyment of customers and staff alike.