A PUB which champions ‘forgotten foods’ has been recognised for its dedication to making the best of Herefordshire’s wonderful local produce.

The 16th century Riverside Inn at Aymestrey has been named winner of the Slow Food award for the Best Restaurant/Food Eatery in the UK.

The inn is run by chef patron, Andy Link, who is deeply committed to the ethos of sustainable, locally sourced produce, and is a champion of many ‘forgotten foods’ that have a superb flavour.

Andy said: “I am hugely honoured to receive this award. I believe passionately that real food using high quality products from local producers needs the utmost support. We have lost too many flavours due to high yield taking precedence over taste.

“This award was supported by a public vote, and it’s very encouraging to know that so many people value our work to produce outstanding food, crafted with care and passion.”

The Slow Food movement was founded in Italy during the 1980s, initially to defend regional traditions, good food, gastronomic pleasure and a slower pace of life.

The movement is now global, and the awards were started six years’ ago to highlight the producers, restaurants and shops promoting the ethos of good, clean, fair food.

Andy can regularly be seen at food festivals throughout Herefordshire giving demonstrations on how to make the best of the superb local produce in the county.