AN award-winning eatery has picked up a top national honour as it continues to add to its growing reputation.

The British Larder in Bromeswell, near Woodbridge, has been named “Best Food Pub” in the Great British Pub Awards 2012.

The eatery, which is run by chefs Madalene Bonvini-Hamel and Ross Pike, has already received a number of other accolades.

Mr Pike said they were delighted with the most recent success, which was announced at an awards dinner at the Hilton Hotel in London

“It’s amazing,” he said. “We’ve just had our second anniversary and it shows that all the hard work of the whole team is paying off.

“We want to create something special in Suffolk and it’s great that we are now recognised nationally.

“Using local produce is a massive part of what we do. We knew we wanted to grow a lot of stuff on this site but what we were also keen to do was support local farmers and guarantee them money every week. They have been on this journey with us.

“There are so many people who are doing the ‘local’ thing but hopefully we are a couple of steps ahead of them. We work very closely with local food producers. In fact I’ve got a meeting next week to discuss what they want to grow next year and how we can be part of that. It’s very exciting.”

Rob Willock, editor of industry magazine the Publican’s Morning Advertiser, which organises the awards, said: “The judges were impressed with the innovative food that is based on the couple’s relationship with Suffolk farms and local artisan producers as part of what’s still very much a pub menu.

“Above all, the business bristles with imaginative initiatives such as bartering with allotment holders, handing out recipe cards with bills, supplier and celebrity chef evenings, hampers, farm tours and foraging weekends, while the recipe website is used to showcase dishes and promote the pub.”