A GASTRO pub near Chipping Norton has been awarded three AA rosettes for culinary excellence.

The Kingham Plough, which is run by celebrity chef and Great British Menu’s veteran judge Emily Watkins, picked up the accolade after a visit by AA hotel and restaurant inspectors.

Cooking methods and techniques, the quality of produce and the creativity of dishes were scrutinised by the inspectors before awarding the prestigious rating.

Mrs Watkins, who opened the Cotswolds pub in 2007 with her husband Miles Lampson, said: “Making the giant leap from two to three rosettes has been a huge achievement for us.

“Anybody in this boat knows that it does not come easily, but takes an enormous amount of dedication and graft from all members of the team.

“We are now keen to get our heads down and keep the consistency up as we have been, and keep pushing on.

“We are incredibly proud of our family run business and everyone who has helped us achieve this accolade. Thanks to the AA inspectors who have recognised what we are doing.”

The Kingham Plough serves “food with an exciting take on British classics” and provides “comfortable rooms set within a warm and relaxed environment”.

It was also recently awarded a two-star rating by the sustainable restaurant association.