A family businessman and his dedicated team of staff are celebrating after putting Braintree on the culinary map.

The Chophouse, in New Street, has been awarded a coveted AA Rosette for culinary excellence.

It is the first restaurant in Braintree to receive the award, and owner Rob Ely, 37, is hoping it will lead to bigger and better things.

“In the next year we are looking to get into the Michelin Guide,” he said.

“The food is as good as it has ever been at the moment and we want to keep pushing.

“The long term aspiration is to get a Michelin Star."

Mr Ely bought the struggling business less than three-years-ago, and has managed to completely turn around its fortunes.

“When I took over I had no experience in the industry I just read and read about it,” he said.

“I had always wanted my own business and I was made aware this came on the market.

“It was losing lots of money at the time and the owners wanted to get out. I took it on for a small amount and it took year to plug that gap at first.

“I don’t make a lot of money out of it as everything I do make goes back into the business but I have fallen in love with the industry since I started.”

The AA Rosette is given after an secret inspection, with less then 10 per cent of restaurants in the UK holding the quality mark.

Mr Ely, who lives in hometown Braintree with his wife and four children, said: “The success is a lot down to the staff. The head chef has been with me over a year now and he has really laid the foundations for the success.

“We have incredibly high standards and consistency is the most important thing for us, whether you go in on a Saturday night or a Tuesday lunch.

“Quality of produce is also a factor and we only use the best ingredients.

“Before I took over the business I had fallen out of love with Braintree. Since having the restaurant I feel it is going in the right direction, but it needs more people to take a punt and give it a chance.