WIRRAL'S best restaurants and bars are being showcased as part of a new guide.

The latest Wirral Food and Drink Guide 2013-14 highlights around 100 places where visitors and local residents can find the perfect meal or treat, from afternoon tea to fine dining.

The 76-page booklet also features wine bars, delicatessens, coffee shops and butchers.

Among the eateries singled out for the guide are Michelin-starred restaurant Fraiche in Oxton and Stewart Warner at the Hillbark Hotel and Spa in Frankby.

Da Piero in Irby, which has been named in the Good Food Guide and the Michelin Guide for the last four years, is also included, along with the three AA Rosette 'Lawns' restaurant at the Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa and Richard Fox at the Leverhulme Hotel in Port Sunlight, which was also listed in the Michelin Guide for the second time.

The Wirral guide was launched yesterday at the Hillbark – Merseyside's first five star hotel - where chef Stewart Warner presented his take on the traditional British Afternoon Tea.

Lorna Tyson, deputy chairwoman of the Wirral Tourism Business Network joined Claire Jones, the general manager of Contessa Hotels, who own Hillbark, to sample Stewart's fayre and launch the guide.

Councillor Chris Meaden, Wirral Council's cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure,said: "The last Food and Drink Guide we produced in 2011 proved extremely popular and we anticipate that the new one will be even more in demand.

"As well as award-winning restaurants, Wirral is home to some of the best cafes, gastro-pubs, bars, tea rooms and specialist food shops in the country and we have tried to reflect our fantastic food and drink offer in the guide.

"Wirral's quality food and drink offer is vital to the borough's visitor economy.

"The latest statistics highlight the sector is now worth over £45million and employs almost 900 full-time equivalent jobs. Combined with our award-winning coast, countryside and accommodation, Wirral is the perfect destination to play, eat and stay."

For a copy of the new Wirral Food and Drink Guide, contact Wirral Council’s destination marketing team on 0151 666 3188, or download a copy from www.visitwirral.com/foodanddrinkguide