THERE are double celebrations at a Hurstbourne Tarrant pub after it was awarded a pair of accolades for its culinary excellence.

The George and Dragon, in The Square, has bolstered its reputation by bagging two AA Rosettes.

The 16th century era coaching inn was restored and re-opened four years ago by owner Patrick Vaughan-Fowler and his team.

The refurbishment was carried out in conjunction with a historical architectural consultant with the aim to restore The George and Dragon to more than its former glory, but also looking to its history by becoming a modern-day coaching inn with the addition of rooms.

Mr Vaughan-Fowler said the consistent hard work by the whole team at the pub is responsible for its success.

He said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be the proud owners of two AA Rosettes. Alongside being a real feather in the cap for the pub itself, it highlights the excellent work that the George and Dragon family have put in over the last four years.

“We set out to do something slightly different and have put all our passion and experience in to creating an offering for everyone, whilst sticking true to using local producers and suppliers and doing our bit for the community.”

The judges were particularly impressed with the drinks selection, commenting on the use of Mr Vaughan-Fowler’s knowledge to offer lesser-known European wines.

Throughout the year the team use local, modern and seasonal ingredients to create new dishes on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis to take advantage of produce at its absolute peak as it comes in from the pub’s network of local suppliers.

The AA Rosette award scheme was introduced in 1956, and was the first widely-recognised scheme for assessing the quality of food served by restaurants and hotels.