Since opening its doors on Grey Street last autumn, restaurant-bar Leila Lily's has gone on to blossom and its growing success has now seen it win a famous rose.
The stylish venue, whose flower arch entrance and floral-design interior have made it stand out in its prime city centre location, has been awarded an AA rosette.
The honour, in recognition of Leila Lily's "culinary excellence", came after an accreditation inspector paid an unannounced visit there earlier this February.
Following a three-course meal - of North Sea octopus; Gloucester Old Spot pork T-bone and a dark chocolate pavé dessert - the inspector praised the "imaginative dishes" and remarked "quality produce used to good effect".
The award has delighted Leila Lily's, coming less than six months since the launch of the Malhotra Group venture which adjoins its four AA-star The Grey Street Hotel and was personal project for its operations director Atul Malhotra who named it after his daughter.
After the inspector also paid tribute to the "technical skills" of the catering team, who are under the guidance of executive chef Richard Swindell, Atul said: "From the start, Richard and I had a clear vision of what we wanted to achieve in terms of the variety and style of our menus and plating.
"It is great that all our hard work has received formal recognition in this way."
He said that the success was thanks to a collective effort by the entire team there and added: “I named Leila Lily’s after my little girl and I am extremely proud that her name will be associated with such an accolade and I am sure she will enjoy reading about this when she grows up!"
The restaurant also took to social media to share the news and tweeted that it is "extremely proud" of the new award.
The message added: "A massive thank you and well deserved congratulations to our hard working team for their continuous efforts."
