The Butchers Arms in Eldersfield near Gloucester has been named Michelin’s 2016 Pub of the Year, beating almost 600 other sites.
The 16th century pub seats 25 and already holds a Michelin star. It is owned and operated by husband and wife team James and Elizabeth Winter, with James (pictured) heading up the kitchen as the sole chef.
The pub's menu changes constantly throughout the day as fresh produce arrives. Depending on the season, diners ca choose from fish that come from the Cornish day boats, locally shot game, Middle White pork, three-quarter bred Beltex cross lamb and Hereford beef from nearby farms.
Rebecca Burr, editor of the guide, said, “When they started out, James and Elizabeth’s aim was to open a ‘real’ country pub: a laid-back home-from-home where the locals could come to meet after work and have a good meal – and despite their runaway culinary success, that’s exactly the way it has stayed.
“James’s cooking is proudly British and classically based but it is also refined, carefully measured and packed with flavour – and he clearly knows how to get the best out of his ingredients, whether it's lamb faggots with black pudding or fillet of beef with mini oxtail pie.”
James said, “I’ve been cooking the food I love to eat for the past eight years at the Butchers Arms, so it’s great to hear that other people love it as much as I do. This award is not only incredible recognition for us as an individual pub, but it actually supports and recognises pubs in general across the UK. We couldn’t be more thrilled!”