A Rochester restaurant has leading chef Heston Blumenthal looking over his shoulder after being named one of the best in the country.

Topes, in Rochester High Street, has been voted one of the Top 10 British restaurants on a website - just one place behind the super chef's new London venue, Dinner, and also as one of the best overall in the South East.

Julie and Chris Small, of Maidstone Road, Rochester, opened the business six and a half years ago and have already attained two AA rosettes for their modern British menu with the husband and wife team working in the kitchen and front of house respectively.

Mrs Small, mum to five-year-old Maddie and two-year-old Felix, said: "We are absolutely thrilled we have had this recognition because it shows you are doing the right thing.

"It is especially pleasing because these are reviews from real diners."

Booking site Open Table has about 1,200 restaurants on its website and, following a meal, users are sent feedback forms with top 10 tables regularly updated through the results.

Heston Blumenthal's Dinner received rave reviews following its opening in January.

The experimental chef is recognised as one of the best in the world, with his Fat Duck restaurant in Berkshire regularly voted as one of the world's favourites.

Julie said: "It has been incredible really. Heston is one of Chris's heroes so to be up there with him is fantastic."

Before opening the restaurant, Julie worked as a project manager in London while Chris was working as a private chef for banks in the City.

He had previously worked for another Medway-born chef Gary Rhodes.

One of Open Table's bosses said Topes had proved it is among the best in the country.

David Pritchard said: "People have got nothing but good things to say about Topes and this recognition gives them the opportunity to get exposure alongside the likes of Heston Blumenthal's Dinner."