Michelin name 16th century 'real drinking pub' best in the UK

A 16th century "real drinking pub" has been named the best in the UK and Ireland by the prestigious Michelin guide.

The Butchers Arms in Eldersfield, near Gloucester, won the Pub of the Year 2016 title ahead of almost 600 others for its menu that changes constantly throughout the day as fresh produce arrives.

The pub can fit just 25 diners at any one time, who according to the season choose from fish from the Cornish day boats, locally shot game in season, Middle White pork, three-quarter bred Beltex cross lamb and Hereford beef from nearby farms.

Michelin first awarded The Butchers Arms a star in 2011, and said owner and chef James Winter's cooking had gone from "strength to strength".

The guide's editor, Rebecca Burr, said: "When they started out, owners 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.

"Unusually, James works alone in the kitchen, and the key to his success is that he isn't afraid to keep things simple.

"His 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 its lamb faggots with black pudding or fillet of beef with mini oxtail pie."

Mr Winter 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."