Ascots has topped a list of Bermuda restaurants on an influential travellers website.

The Pembroke institution, which has been in business for 25 years, was awarded top spot and a certificate of excellence by Trip Advisor, based on reviews by the public.

The restaurant pipped Mad Hatters and Barracuda Grill, both in Hamilton, which were second and third respectively.

Angelo Armano, co-owner of Ascots with chef Edmund Smith, said: “We’re happy that people keep coming and that people seem to be happy.

“We’re in good shape. The secret is to provide the customer with what they’re looking for — comfort, good food, good service and an ambience that’s comfortable.”

He added: “We try always to be a step ahead and try to stay focused. And we all try to do a good job. Maybe Ascots, over the years, has been able to connect with people in a more intimate way and we do try to personalise the service every day and work to give our guests what they’re looking for. When people come out, they want to relax and have a good time.

“We provide good service and a product that’s always fresh and up to the standard it should be.”

Ben Jewett, head chef and partner in Mad Hatters, which has been open for ten years and is located next to the Mariners Club, said he was particularly pleased by the accolade because it came from members of the public who took the time to vote and post positive reviews on Trip Advisor.

Mr Jewett added: “We’ve had a top ten position on Trip Advisor for the last five or six years.

“The real reason for the posts and what they say, what makes us stand out, is the consistency of our product. Also, we have a very friendly, laid back, personal type of service. Everybody is made to feel comfortable. It’s a great setting here and it’s very laid back and casual.”

Mr Jowett said his kitchen was “adaptable and flexible so we can give the customer what they want”.

He added: “We change our lunch menu every week. It’s the same foundation, but we keep it different and lively and we also have dinner specials every day. We are constantly changing the basis of what we do.

“Trip Advisor stands out because it’s a critic, but not a food critic coming by and one person deciding if you win or lose. This is hundreds of people making these decisions. It gives everybody a chance to stand on their soapbox and give their opinion.”

Philip Barnett, the head of Island Restaurant Group, which owns Barracuda Grill, said he was pleased with the award, but added: “We are working hard to get up to that number one spot.”

He said that IRG’s Hog Penny took eighth position in the listings, with its Hamilton stablemate Pickled Onion tenth place and Dockyard’s Frog & Onion in thirteenth.

Mr Barnett said: “At Barracuda Grill it’s our people firstly. We’ve got Ryan Gibbons working there behind the bar who really is Bermuda’s best bartender.

“He is very passionate about his job and creates great cocktails. And our chefs are vital; collectively, they have 50 years of experience and the floor staff are so professional in what they do. The passion they have in clearly describing specials. I can’t speak enough about our people.”

Mr Barnett added that the same philosophy extended across the group.

“We are a company made up of individuals who come together every day and try to be the very best they can be. They are in it because they want to be, not because they have to be and our guests have always responded very well to that.”

Mr Barnett added: “There are so many things that can go wrong; there are so many things that come together to get a meal on the table. Just to keep this gigantic machine moving forward takes great people.”

And he said: “We have tried to be very focused and simple with what we do. We know we do seafood very well and Barracuda Grill focuses on that.

“Hog Penny is a pub that’s been around for a very long time. It’s the oldest licensed establishment in Hamilton. Most pubs fall in and out of favour depending on the year, but it’s the best pub in Hamilton and we’re happy to shout that from the rooftops.”

The top restaurants in Bermuda, as rated on the Trip Advisor website:

1. Ascots, Pembroke

2. Mad Hatters, Hamilton

3. Barracuda Grill, Hamilton

4. Fourways Inn, Paget

5. Wahoo’s Waterside Bistro & Patio, St George

6. Flanagan’s Irish Pub, Hamilton

7. Swizzle Inn, Hamilton Parish

8. Hog Penny, Hamilton

9. Waterlot Inn, Southampton

10. Pickled Onion, Hamilton

11. Tempest Bistro, St George

12. Little Venice, Hamilton

13. Frog & Onion, Dockyard, Sandys