Fine Dining At West County Gastro Pub Of The Year

The Puesdown Inn, Compton Abdale, Gloucestershire was chosen as the Morning Advertiser West Country Gastro Pub of the Year for 2007. Owners John and Maggie Armstrong took over the Puesdown Inn in 2002, and in a short time they have transformed it into a thriving business - well used by locals and visitors to the area.

And their hard work impressed the judges of the West Country Gastro Pub of the Year, who chose the pub as a winner from hundreds of others vying for the regional crown.

The Puesdown Inn stocks locally brewed Hook Norton beer, and is no stranger to awards, as last year it reached the final of The Publican Dessert Pub of the Year.

Puesdown Inn chef John Armstrong is one of three of the country's top chefs who have reached the final of the Pub Chef magazine Pub Fish Chef of the Year.

Chef de Partie, Lee Farina was a Kitchen Semi-Finalist in the Academy of Culinary Arts Annual Awards of Excellence 2007.

And not to be outdone Maggie Armstrong was a semi-finalist British Institute of Innkeeping Licensee of the Year 2007.

Now with two AA Rosettes, The Puesdown Inn has a daily changing menu reflecting market and seasonal variations.

Recognition of the quality of the food has come via inclusion in AA Guides and being voted Les Routiers' South West Inn of the Year for 2005.

Puesdown Inn is a glorious roadside tavern that looks as if it has welcomed customers for centuries. Parts of the building date back to 1236 and it is set in the rolling Gloucestershire countryside and strategically sited at the highest point on the A40.

John Armstrong, who was a chef at the Savoy said: "Our vision was always to make the Puesdown food-led. Good, simple, fresh, home-cooked food with as much as possible sourced locally."

The Puesdown Inn uses traceable supplies, and fish is delivered daily from Brixham. John Armstrong's modern British food reflects the quality of the ingredients and the care in preparation and presentation.

Regular events include monthly live jazz and three-course meal sessions; wine and beer tasting/matching dinners; charity events such as a fashion show with dinner.

The Puesdown Inn, Compton Abdale, Gloucestershire GL54 4DN. Overnight accommodation available.

For more details visit Puesdown.cotswoldinns.com.