A FAMILY-run restaurant which offers diners a taste of the Caribbean has earned a prestigious Good Food Award.

Bosses at the Calypso Restaurant, in London Road, Leigh say they are delighted to win the Good Food Award 2021 for its traditional menu.

The popular restaurant, which has 113 excellent reviews with website Trip Advisor, is run by couple Diane and Rupert Charles and their son Leon.

This comes as the Grizzly Vegan in Southend is listed as another winner.

Mrs Charles said the restaurant offers top quality traditional Caribbean food and drink.

She said: “It’s great to get the recognition for all our hard work that we’ve put into the business and we have struggled through the Covid pandemic.

“We were over the moon when we found out we had won the award but we have won it before in 2018.

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“It’s good to win and they go by the customers comments and the also sent a mystery shopper to test out the food and restaurant as well.

“Our signature dishes definitely include our curried goat with rice and peas - which a lot of people have never had before.

“Another one of our top dishes is our jerk chicken and these meals are top favourites with our customers, among many others.

“We’ve been here five years and I think there’s still people who do not know what Caribbean food is and are apprehensive about it.

“We have good regular customers and do get new ones too.”

She said her husband and restaurant co-owner Rupert was born in Grenada in the Caribbean and draws on his heritage for the fine menu.

She also said the restaurant offers a range of 50 rum cocktails and offers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for the customer.

Review website Trip Advisor is full of glowing recommendations for the restaurant.

One said: “Such a friendly restaurant, with just the best food around. It felt totally safe, so clean and good Covid precautions in place.

“I’m sorry - no photos as we couldn’t wait to eat.

“Saltfish fritters, ribs, beef curry and condado duck.

“All delicious. A restaurant is only as good as its chef and this restaurant has the best!

“Thanks.

“We’ll be back.”