Marco Pierre White says service is more important than food and that if the environment is wrong, customers will not return to a restaurant.

With 21st May being National Waiters and Waitresses Day, the famed restauranteur wants people across the UK to not only go out and enjoy a good meal but also thank the front of house staff that make their dining experiences so special.

Pierre White, whose MPW Restaurant estate comprises 45 franchised venues across the UK, said: "Some of the best restaurants I have eaten in didn't necessarily serve the best food. It's more about the environment and in particular the service. That's what makes a good meal great.

"When people go out to spend their hard-earned money, they want to be treated with respect and courtesy. If the service is good, then you don't mind waiting a little longer for your meal. One of the most important aspects for any restaurant to get right is to make the guests feel special; for waiting staff to be attentive, polite and have a smile on their face."

Having attained three Michelin stars by the mid-1990s, the godfather of gastronomy switched his focus to the front of house. It resulted in him adding five red knives and forks to his already impressive list of achievements.

He added: "I got three Michelin stars in 1995, but still only had four black knives and forks. The next three years I put all my energy into the front of house.

"Then in 1998, I won three stars and five red knives and forks at the Oak Room in Le Méridien hotel, London because I'd put that energy into the front of house.

"Going out to eat is about more than just the food, it's about the whole experience, and the front of house team is a big part of that."

The MPW Restaurants team recognise the fantastic service and hospitality that its front of house staff delivers and has put in place an initiative for the venue owners to nominate who they think consistently provide exceptional levels of service.

Jennie MacKenzie, head of training and development at MPW Restaurants added: "Good service can turn a good meal into a great one. This is why guests remember a meal out and that's what makes them come back again.

"The National Waiter and Waitress Day is an opportunity to thank the front-of-house teams for the work they do and we want guests to head to their favourite MPW Restaurant, enjoy a nice meal out and perhaps give an extra tip."