THE Abbey in Penzance has been named in a prestigious 'best of the best' list of the top 100 UK restaurants.

Eat Out magazine compiled the comprehensive guide after scouring all the leading guides, trade journals and awards over the last year.

Head chef Michael Riemenschneider, who joins Nathan Outlaw in Fowey as the only two Cornwall representatives, says he is delighted by the accolade.

“It really means a lot to be acknowledged alongside the very best after being open for just a few months,” he said.

“The response has been amazing and people who travel down from London tell me that we have the same standard of food here.

“We are all delighted and I think the town can be proud that they have got food of this quality on their doorstep.

“You don't have to go to London to experience something really special.”

Rising star Michael, who graduated first in the German Youth Masters of Cooking in 2001, has already worked at a number of distinguished Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe.

His painstaking approach and almost obsessive attention to detail have brought his complex and surprising dishes to the attention of food writers throughout the land.

But despite the lure of fame and fortune in the capital, Michael says he loves working in Cornwall.

“It's great to wake up in the morning and see the sea,” he said.

“It's a wonderful place – I like the people and their attitude to life.”

Despite glowing reviews in the national media he feels that many local people are not aware of what they are doing and wrongly believe the restaurant to be exclusive and expensive.

“I want us to be a London restaurant in Penzance and when you consider the full dining experience we offer I don't think we are much more expensive than other places.”