The perfect pub (From Gazette & Herald)

The perfect pub

A RYEDALE inn has shown its "star" quality by being named Pub of the Year.

The Star Inn at Harome gained the accolade from The Good Pub Guide, to add to an already impressive list of honours.

Andrew and Jacqueline Pern, who took over the 14th century thatched inn in 1996, have won numerous trophies - including a Michelin star, Good Pub Guide Dining Pub of the Year 2003 and 2001, Catey Pub Operator of the Year 2002, and in the Yorkshire Life 2000 awards Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year.

"In this enchanting thatched 14th century inn, the young, very friendly licensees successfully combine excellent, inventive food with a traditional pubby atmosphere," said Good Pub Guide editor Alisdair Aird.

"Local produce is delivered for the daily-changing menus, while wonderful home-made drinks such as rhubarb schnapps, strawberry gin and bramble and thyme vodkas supplement the extensive array of beverages on offer."

Mr Pern, joint owner and head chef, who is from Whitby and learned his trade at the former Scarborough Technical College, said: "It's nicer in a way to win Pub of the Year than an award for our restaurant, because it's not just about the food.

"The food is of a high standard, and we all work very hard to cook well and use local produce, but it's still a pub where friends and neighbours sit down and have a drink.

"Locals still play dominoes here on a Friday night. It's a typical old English inn. It was a surprise to win this award, we have a good restaurant, but it is a pub first and foremost."

Updated: 11:19 Wednesday, October 22, 2003