A COUNTRYSIDE venue praised for its homegrown goods has been named as ‘Best Pub for Food.’

The Wellington Arms, in Baughurst Road, Baughurst, which has become renowned for use of home grown produce and its welcoming staff, has been praised by a food guide.

It has seen off tough competition from more than 500 other pubs to be named the Great British Pub Guide’s ‘Best Pub for Food.’

The Great British Pub Guide is a first edition of the reboot of Sawday’s bestselling Pubs and Inns book which has sold more than 140,000 copies.

The Wellington Arms took the title of Best Pub for Food, being chosen for the quality of its food, where it is sourced from, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Simon Page, from The Wellington Arms, said: “We feel very honoured to receive this accolade.

“I have a wonderful team, the chefs, front of house, housekeeping and the gardener.

“We couldn’t have done it without our lovely customers and loyal community.”

In the nomination put forward, regulars praised the pub for sourcing local produce for its food as well as serving up a selection of different beers.

The nomination read: “We love the ‘Welly’ because its commitment to local sourcing raises the bar for all and has made it a place of pilgrimage for foodies.

“Boards are chalked up daily and the produce mainly home-grown or organic.

“Indoors is cosy and relaxed, outside is the pub’s smallholding: seven little pigs, nine woolly sheep, a few bees and almost 100 assorted hens.”