A HESWALL tea room was last night crowned local food hero for the North West by celebrity chef Gary Rhodes.

Michelle and Andreas Foulia-Constantinou’s Roses Tea Rooms was chosen by Rhodes and Simon Rimmer for the “true passion and thought behind the business”.

Both chefs said they were amazed at the detail and effort in the presentation of the food, and the local and ethically sound ethos of the produce.

The tea room on Milner Road has been open four years, selling afternoon-tea, sandwiches and light meals.

Mrs Foulia-Constantinou said: “I feel we are representing Merseyside in a positive light which has struggled with a food identity when compared with other areas of the UK.

“This award shows things are changing and people are really embracing local quality food and artisan food.” Mrs Foulia-Constantinou was interviewed by UKTV Food in October on every aspect of their business before Rimmer visited to film the tea room.

She said: “It was very nerve-wracking because the tea rooms are only small anyway, but he was impressed with our strict policy of supply and quality.

“He tried our Cheshire ham and cheese platter with our own chutney, and he said it was amazing.”

Mrs Foulia-Constantinou also had to prove her cooking ability against the five other North West finalists during a “cook-off” in Devon.

She prepared afternoon tea using Cheshire ham, Greasby eggs, bread made in Chester and homemade cake.

The national winner of UKTV’s Local Food Hero will be revealed in a programme on Friday, November 28, at 10pm.