A restaurant opened less than a year ago is the only one in Kent to be invited to a top awards do – alongside the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal.

Bleú Steakhouse in Staplehurst has been announced as one of the contestants in the British Restaurant Awards.

It is the fifth year of the awards, which will be held at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London on Tuesday, September 5.

There are 29 categories, including Best Bar, Best Culinary Experience, Best Food Ordering Company, Restaurant of the Year and Best Chef.

Some of this year’s nominees include well-known names and chains – including The Ritz, L’Enclume, Zizzi and Turtle Bay, as well as chefs Gordon Ramsay, Ainsley Harriott, Gino D’Acampo and Simon Rimmer.

The awards are described as a “beacon of culinary brilliance, recognizing and celebrating the exceptional talent, innovation, and artistry that define the restaurant industry in the United Kingdom”.

Bleú Steakhouse, located in Staplehurst High Street, has been nominated for Best New Restaurant.

The news comes as they celebrate one year since opening, tomorrow (August 16).

Owner Tariq Ahmed also runs Jumeria Indian takeaways in Staplehurst and Wadhurst.

On opening day, he said the eatery would be bringing "a taste of London" to the town and offer diners a premium experience you'd get in Mayfair or Park Lane.

His brother, Jamil Trofder, currently runs and manages the restaurant.

“We are really taken aback, we weren’t expecting it at all,” he said.

“It has come at a really good time. We got the call last week, I thought somebody was having us on.

“They then sent us an official email and the next thing I saw was the nominations online.

“The team are really chuffed.”

Bleú Steakhouse will be going up against 10 other culinary restaurants – including Archway Battersea in London, Restaurant 8 by Andrew Sheridan in Liverpool, Coco Canary Wharf in London, and Orelle in Birmingham.

It is also the only restaurant in Kent to be nominated for the awards. To see the full list, click here.

Jamil added: “We are up against some big boys as well. But you know what, we are up for it and will give it a good fight.

“We can be just as good – it is not just about the household names. We also want to thank everyone for their love and support so far.”

If you want to cast your vote, visit Telephonos to register.

Voting is open until Friday, September 1.