Ramsay turns up heat on region to find best dining

The Milestone gastro pub, based in Kelham Island, Sheffield will go head to head with Bradford's Prashad Indian restaurant.

The two restaurants could not be more different.

The Milestone is known for its relaxed contemporary atmosphere and home-made locally-sourced food, while the Prashad prides itself on its vegetarian Gujarati Chaat house.

What they do have in common is their many accolades from food critics and customers alike.

Milestone beat off competition from a Michelin-starred restaurant, The West House in Kent, to win the British restaurant category and earn a place in the semi-final round.

The Prashad saw off a challenge from the Brilliant restaurant in Southall to win the Indian restaurant category.

Nominations were submitted by the public and secret diners went in to sample the food and feedback on their experiences.

Each week the top two restaurants in eight categories were put through their paces with a variety of challenges including cooking in one of Gordon's flagship London restaurants.

Both restaurants have seen off 12,000 other restaurants to the reach the semi-finals. Milestone owners, Matt Bigland and Marc Sheldon, have already seen a large increase in bookings and interest since appearing on the Channel 4 programme.

"Business has been booming since appearing on Ramsay's show and we've had lots of new faces through the door. It is very flattering to have people come and visit from all over the UK.

"Despite the added attention we have received, we've stayed true to our business and menu philosophy.

"We've continued to offer a highly personal dining experience, combined with a menu mixed with heritage and modernity, which is reflected in our innovative use of fresh, locally sourced food," says Marc.

On the back of their recent success and the increasing interest in the venue's ethos and the philosophy behind the food and recipes, The Milestone has released its own cookbook.

"After much grit and determination, we are very proud to be launching our first cookbook at the end of November.

"Out just in time for Christmas, First, Catch Your Pig shares our gastronomic knowledge, the chefs' recipes and some stunning imagery of our culinary creations, farms and our own herd of pigs," says Matt.

Viewers will see The Milestone and Prashad battle it out against two other semi-finalists next Tuesday at 9pm on Channel 4 for a place in the final of Ramsay's Best Restaurant.

First, Catch Your Pig (16.95) is due to be published at the end of November and can be pre-ordered online at: www.themilestone.co.uk/order.php