The head chef of a Bushey restaurant has thanked “loyal customers” after it was nominated in a set of prestigious food awards.

St James Restaurant in Bushey High Street is now in the running for The Good Food Guide's list of 100 Best Local Restaurants of 2024 after it was entered by local diners.

Watford Observer: Head chef, Giammarco Angelilli (left), and his uncle Alfonso Lacava (right) who owns the restaurant. Head chef, Giammarco Angelilli (left), and his uncle Alfonso Lacava (right) who owns the restaurant. (Image: St James Restaurant)t is already the town’s best rated restaurant according to TripAdvisor and was named a “local gem” by The Good Food Guide last October.

Watford Observer: Head chef Giammarco (L) with St James staff and Alfonso (second from R).Head chef Giammarco (L) with St James staff and Alfonso (second from R). (Image: St James Restaurant)

Head chef Giammarco Angelilli, who runs the restaurant with his uncle and St James owner Alfonso Lacava, said he feels confident about their chances.

Watford Observer: Food snaps from when the Watford Observer gave St James its own glowing review. Food snaps from when the Watford Observer gave St James its own glowing review. (Image: Newsquest)

“I think we can do it,” the head chef said. “Obviously it depends on the reviewers, but all our customers believe in us and they do write a lot of positive reviews.

Watford Observer: The Toblerone Cheesecake at St James Restaurant in Bushey.The Toblerone Cheesecake at St James Restaurant in Bushey. (Image: St James Restaurant)

“I would just like to thank them because Bushey is a little community and we’ve been supported very much by all our local and loyal customers.”

Watford Observer: St James Restaurant is Bushey's highest-rated eatery according to TripAdvisor.St James Restaurant is Bushey's highest-rated eatery according to TripAdvisor. (Image: St James Restaurant)His uncle has owned the High Street eatery for 27 years and Giammarco joined the business in 2009 after working in kitchens in Europe and India.

The Good Food Guide awards aim to celebrate the “lesser-known local restaurants that deserve their time in the spotlight”. 

Nominations close on May 22 and can be made on the Good Food Guide website.