Puesdown Inn wins MA gastropub title

January 27, 2007: The Puesdown Inn, Compton Abdale, Gloucestershire, has been named Morning Advertiser West Country Gastro Pub of the Year.

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.

They stock locally-brewed Hook Norton beer, and are no strangers to awards, as last year they 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. And chef de partie, Lee Farina, was a kitchen semi-finalist in the Academy of Culinary Arts Annual Awards of Excellence 2007.

Not to be outdone, Maggie was a semifinalist British Institute of Innkeeping Licensee of the Year for 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.

This glorious roadside tavern 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, 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 Inn uses traceable supplies, and fish is delivered daily from Brixham. John'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; and charity events such as a fashion show with dinner.