Drury Lane restaurateur wins gardening gong

He may not be the muffin-man, but a Drury Lane restaurateur has scooped a top prize in the annual Westminster in Bloom competition.

The Covent Garden gardener received special mention from judges and won the Display Outside a Business Award for his restaurant garden.

"My garden is like a jungle which receives plenty of visits from wild birds," he said.

"I am happy to have won – the competition makes economic sense as it brings people to the area. I receive plenty of visitors who initially come to look at my garden and end up becoming customers."

The display at his Sarastro Restaurant is said to attract sparrows, blackbirds and honeybees to the area as well as diners.

A record 150 gardeners entered this years competition – a figure that proves how popular a pastime it has become.

Those interested in taking up gardening can use the plethora of online materials to get them started in the garden and greenhouse before entering next years competition.