A Norfolk and Suffolk restaurant have been nominated for a national award.

Oakfired in Beccles is through to the final round of the UK Italian awards for 'Best Professional or Business'.

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Paul Williams runs the front-of-house and his husband Paul Jackson is the chef.

Last year Mr Jackson was a finalist in the 'Best Pasta Chef' group beating other Italian cooks across the country.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Paul Jackson and Paul Williams with the restaurants 'Real Neapolitan Pizza' certificationPaul Jackson and Paul Williams with the restaurants 'Real Neapolitan Pizza' certification (Image: Archant © 2018)

He trained in Naples, giving the restaurant an 'Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana' - a certification ensuring the authenticity of Neapolitan pizzas all over the world.

The eatery was also nominated in the 'Best Team' category in 2022.

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However this year, a different Norfolk restaurant has been nominated for 'Best Pasta Chef' as Courtyard Italian Restaurante in Great Yarmouth is a new entry to the competition.

Comments on TripAdvisor have praised the "gem of a restaurant" where "the food is amazing and the owner is attentive to everyone that walks in".