A STOCKBRIDGE pub is in the final round of a national competition to find the best gastro venue in the country.

The Greyhound on the Test, in High Street, has been named as a finalist in the newcomer award of the Budweiser Budvar Top 50 Gastro Pubs 2014. It is one of four gastro pubs that has been shortlisted for the award.

The award, organised by pub industry magazine The Publican’s Morning Advertiser, is open to gastro pubs that have opened in the past 18 months.

Licensee Lucy Townsend entered the pub for the award, which was judged by pub guide editors and business journalists.

The Greyhound has also been named the Michelin Pub of the Year 2014.

Jo Bruce, The Publ i c a n ’ s Morning A dv e r t - iser managing editor, said: “ T h e Greyhound on the Test is an outstanding gastro pub and has made a great impression with diners in a relatively short period since opening.

“The cooking is of the highest standard and is a major reason why the gastro pub is so popular.

“The pub prides itself on sourcing its produce as locally as possible and the main menu focus is to buy the best ingredients without compromising on quality and price.

“It offers a range of food and prices for anyone with any budget to come in and enjoy at any time.

“The licensee works closely with the wine supplier to ensure that the wines match up with the menu (which changes throughout the year to match the seasons) and it also promotes wine by hosting wine dinners.”

And the pub’s head chef has also been named as a finalist in the chef of the year award.

Alan Haughie is one of three UKwide finalists shortlisted for the award.

Jo added: “Alan is an outstanding chef and deserves to be named as one of the three finalists.”

The overall winner of the award will be announced at an awards lunch on Monday, 27 January at Hermitage Rd in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.