A VALE gastro pub has received tasty plaudits from two sources in the space of a week.

The Queen’s Arms, in Corton Denham, won Gold from Taste of The West for the second year running, then received the accolade of five stars after a visit from the AA.

Both the Taste of the West judges and AA inspectors visit anonymously in a bid to form an unbiased view of the establishment.

Everything, from initial first impressions through to how staff look after the customer and the quality of the food on offer, is rated.

It is only as they leave that staff know they have visited and wait on tenterhooks to receive the verdict.

But any apprehension was soon dismissed, with glowing reviews from both bodies.

According to the AA, it was ‘a pleasure to visit The Queen’s Arms … There is much to admire with consistent quality levels throughout’.

A ‘personable team’ delivered ‘enjoyable, accomplished cooking and quality produce’ in ‘stylish public areas which have undergone a sensitive and sympathetic refurbishment retaining character and augmenting appeal’, it added.

Meanwhile, the Taste of the West judges commented that ‘the service was [of a] very high standard and the food, high quality, which is exactly what you would desire in a good quality dining pub’.

It added: “The allure of the Queen’s Arms is that it works for everyone, whether you are kicking back and playing board games in the corner or enjoying the top-quality dishes.

“It is clear that the pub is very popular with locals coming in from their dog walk as well as diners.”

Doune Mackenzie-Francis, director at the Queen’s Arms, said: “It is a real thrill to win these accolades and read the feedback from the judges’ experience.

“We are always striving to improve. The team have worked tirelessly since opening to deliver the best service and food we can, I’m so pleased for them all and want to thank them for all their hard work.”

The Queen’s Arms was bought and refurbished during lockdown and opened its doors in July 2021.

Now in its second year, it is going from strength to strength, with head chef Rich Townsend producing seasonal food such as Castlemead Chicken with wild garlic; pork cheek with white onion cream; dark chocolate cremeux, puffed pearl barley and bay leaf gelato.

Food and beverage manager Danny Emney creates hand-crafted drinks such as freshly pressed ginger beer, bay leaf gin, and hand-made celery salt which he then uses to make some very special signature cocktails.

The Queen’s Arms is open seven days a week, 11am to 11pm. Visit www.thequeensarms.com for more details.

A Fish and Fire event is set to take place on May 23, with booking recommended.