Cook and Garcia, an independent sandwich bar in Richmond, has been shortlisted for a National Food award.

Cook and Garcia is in the Independent Sandwich of the Year category at The Sammies 2013, an awards ceremony hosted by the British Sandwich Association.

The cafe has been open for a year and enjoyed thriving success as the only independent food store in Richmond High Street.

Cook and Garcia, owned by Teddington residents Janet and Richard Garcia, fought off competition from all over Great Britain to make the final shortlist of seven, cut down from 54.

The judging panel secretly visited more than 50 different restaurants countrywide, and were thought to have been impressed with Cook and Garcia’s focus on fresh ingredients and fast, friendly service.

Richmond was recently voted Britain’s most cloned High Street due to a lack of independent shops.

Owner Mr Garcia said: “It is a fantastic achievement to be shortlisted within our first year of business.

“We saw a gap in the market to offer an alternative to the usual chains so this is great recognition for all the hard work of the team.’’

A black tie ceremony will take place in Park Lane on May 16.