The owner of an airline-themed restaurant has described the "positive lift" being named in a prestigious guide has given them.

Jet Lounge at 99b High Street in Hadleigh is among this year's recipients of a Blue Ribbon award at the Good Food Awards 2024/25. 

Voted for by the public, the awards are one of the most recognised in the industry. 

It marks as a "positive lift" for couple Daniel and Tia Farthing, who took over the running of the restaurant in July last year. 

The restaurant is located in Hadleigh High StreetThe restaurant is located in Hadleigh High Street (Image: Daniel Farthing) "To get some recognition for food we do and that hard work we are putting in is a real positive lift," said Mr Farthing. 

"Having the customers actually review our food is a real positive." 

Mr Farthing took over the ownership of the restaurant last year, having run much of the day-to-day business prior to that. 

Asked how their first year owning the High Street eatery had been, Mr Farthing, who is also the head chef, described it as "challenging". 

Daniel and Tia Farthing, who took over the restaurant last yearDaniel and Tia Farthing, who took over the restaurant last year (Image: Daniel and Tia Farthing)

He added: "Every hospitality and caterer will tell you the same thing. It is hard, it is getting harder but you have to manage your way through it. 

"It has been a real eye opener for me and my wife. We are trying our best to make it work, but to get recognition now for the food we are serving is just a real boost."

Much of the restaurant is themed on airplanes and air travel, with dishes offering a taste from around the world. 

"Everything has got a unique story or destination behind it, as opposed to just putting it on a menu," added Mr Farthing.

"It gives us pride in the food we are serving. We are using local fresh produce. 

 "I think for us we are still trying to build that name and let people know where we are."