TWO Craven restaurants have been named as finalists in a Yorkshire-based competition to find the best afternoon teas.

Eric's Restaurant at The Devonshire Arms, Bolton Abbey , and Cedar Barn at The Coniston Hotel, Coniston Cold, are up against each other in the competition run by Deliciouslyorkshire, a regional based food group.

Cedar Barn is also nominated in the best bakery class for their gooseberry and elderflower tart and in the best independent retailer class.

Eric's is also competing in the class to find the best use of local produce on a hotel or restaurant menu.

Louise Bolton, Coniston Hotel director, said: "We are delighted to have been shortlisted by Deliouslyorkshire for the afternoon tea award.

"The Coniston has been offering true Yorkshire hospitality for over 20 years and has earned an enviable reputation of offering quality menus, attention to detail with a friendly and attentive service.

"Since opening the Huntsmans Lodge we have built up a great following, afternoon tea being just one of our specialities We’ve been working really hard to make the afternoon tea experience a truly memorable treat."

Devonshire Arms head chef Adam Smith said: “We are thrilled to be have been shortlisted. We bake all our cakes and pastries fresh every day using the best quality ingredients. We aim to serve the best afternoon tea outside London."

The competition attracted more than 300 entries and judges have reduced the potential winners down to over 60.

Deliciouslyorkshire marketing manager, Jo Satariano, said the judges were made up of food industry experts and critics who had their work cut out deciding which entries would make the final cut.

"We had a really fantastic number of entries and the diversity really showcases the amount of innovation and creativity on Yorkshire's food and drink scene.

"Our team of judges were really impressed because the standard of entries across the board was so high."

The awards had also attracted high profile sponsors, including Asda, the main sponsor whose head office is in Leeds, demonstrating how important local food and drink was to the local economy, she added.

Those who fail to make the shortlist would have access to the judges' feedback following the announcement of the winners.

Shortlisted candidates will learn if they have been successful at an awards celebration on Wednesday, October 15, at Pavilions of Harrogate.