Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's Devon-based restaurants have been rated the most sustainable in the UK by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA).
River Cottage Restaurants scored 87% for River Cottage HQ at Park Farm and 84% for the River Cottage Canteen in Axminster under the SRA's Star Rating system, meaning both sites achieved three-star sustainability champion status.
Rob Love, River Cottage managing director, said: "We are really pleased to hear that River Cottage HQ and Canteen have received the highest ratings so far from the SRA. Sustainability is core to River Cottage and we continue to strive to achieve the highest standard. We support the work the SRA is doing, encouraging other businesses to become more sustainable and giving them the tools and knowledge to do that."
George Clark, account manager at the SRA, said the restaurants had a "formidable commitment to sustainability". "River Cottage doesn't just talk about sustainability, it practices it too and its very high score reflects this," he added.
The SRA were particularly impressed with the company's steadfast commitment to sourcing produce locally and also its dedication to reducing the environmental impact of both sites.
"It will be tough for another restaurant to top this score, but it sets a great target for others to aim at," added Clark.
The SRA was founded in 2010 and is a national not-for-profit membership association, providing restaurants with advice and support to help them improve their sustainability.
Other restaurants to achieve a three-star SRA rating include Petrichor at the Cavendish Hotel in London and The Royal Oak in Bishopstone.
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall to launch River Cottage in Plymouth >>
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By Emily Manson
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