Pub toasts place in magazine's hot 100

A pub is toasting being ranked in the top 100 in the country by a leading industry publication.

The Bell and Cross, Clent, set at the foot of the Clent Hills, in Holy Cross, has added the accolade to its growing haul of awards.

The Eat Out magazine compiled its ultimate 100 after scouring guides including CAMRA, Michelin, Les Routiers and the AA. Readers of the magazine were also invited to submit their own nominations, choosing their favourite for a number of reasons including atmosphere and food.

Owners Roger and Jo Narbett, along with business partner Paul Mohan, were delighted to receive the recognition.

Mr Narbett, who has also been chef to the England football squad since 1989, said: "Eat Out is an industry publication. It's written for and read by restaurateurs, owners, chefs – basically anyone in the dining business.

"To be in Eat Out's top 100 is to be recognised by your peers, to have your efforts acknowledged by the best in the business."

The accolade follows the Bell and Cross being named Worcestershire's Best Dining Pub, a title awarded earlier in the year by the Good Pub Guide.

Magazine spokesman Jo Garner said: "The recently refurbished Bell and Cross is a quintessential English pub, full of tradition freshened with a touch of the contemporary, a combination equally evident within the menu.

"With business booming, this whole-hearted thumbs up from the trade clearly echoes diners' opinions.

"Roger and Paul's creativity in the kitchen, an eye to what the customers want and a pub full of character and charm is a winning combination which is sure to see the Bell and Cross receive yet more acclaim in the future."

The Narbetts and Mr Mohan also own sister pub The Chequers in Cutnall Green, Droitwich.

Mr Narbett has worked as an executive sous chef at the Dorchester Hotel in London and was Young Chef of the Year in 1985 and National Chef of the Year in 1990.

Mr Mohan was also first commis chef at Claridges Hotel, London, in the early 90s.

He cooked for the top table for the World Leaders G8 Summit in Birmingham in 1998.