Suffolk is home to a number of amazing and creative chefs - but two have been named among the best in the country. 

Sam Revell, head chef at JJ's in Woodbridge, and James Carn, head chef and owner of Lark in Bury St Edmunds, have been shortlisted for national gongs at the Staff Canteen Awards. 

Mr Revell has been shortlisted for member of the month at the awards. 

He is head chef at JJ's Food & Wine Bar in Woodbridge and his cooking style is contemporary European, with a strong influence from Mediterranean food. 

An antipasti board made at JJ's on Thoroughfare in WoodbridgeAn antipasti board made at JJ's on Thoroughfare in Woodbridge (Image: Danielle Booden)

This has been reflected in the menu at JJ's where visitors can find sharing plates, charcuterie and tapas-style small plates, which are typical of Mediterranean dining culture. 

There is something for everyone on his menu, including the price - with the popular £10 lunch menu.

Mr Carn of Lark has been shortlisted as the chef to watch. 

He and his wife Sophia opened the restaurant in the west Suffolk town just over a year ago and already are no stranger to national recognition. 

James and Sophia outside Lark in Bury St EdmundsJames and Sophia outside Lark in Bury St Edmunds (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Recently Lark was named the only Bib Gourmand destination in Suffolk and top celebrity food critic Jay Rayner named it as one of the best places to visit in the country.

Mr Carn and his wife decided to open their own restaurant after he spent five years at Suffolk's only Michelin-starred restaurant Pea Porridge. 

Since opening Lark the couple have not looked back as within their first year they were included in the Good Food Guide’s Top 100 local restaurants in the UK, mentioned in the Michelin Guide and made number 39 in SquareMeals.co.uk’s Top 100 Restaurants in the UK.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on Monday, November 11.