A NORTH Somerset inn is "beyond delighted" to be awarded with a Double AA Rosette.

The Railway Inn, in Sandford, Winscombe, is described as "a traditional country pub with a 'worth a detour' cotemporary restaurant."

Judges who visited the inn, which is owned by Thatchers Cider, praised its "accomplished cooking and local ciders."

James Davidson, head chef at The Railway Inn, said: “We are beyond delighted to be recognised in these prestigious awards and honoured with not just one, but two AA Rosettes.

"We dedicate ourselves to giving customers an elevated dining experience; using fresh, local and sustainable ingredients to create dishes that delight and are worthy of accompanying a Thatchers Cider."

Leigh Damerell, Railway Inn manager, said: “A warm welcome awaits you at The Railway Inn, our award-winning pub and restaurant, perfectly nestled at the foot of the Mendip Hills and on the Strawberry Line National Cycle Network.

"Our stunning restaurant with traditional country pub lounge and large, family-friendly outdoor space, make it a must-visit for locals, first timers, dog-walkers, cider lovers and especially, with our new Double AA Rosette – foodies!”

To achieve the high standard of two rosettes, a chef must show "greater technical skill, more consistency and judgement in combining and balancing ingredients, and have a clear ambition to achieve high standards."

The AA website reads: "The AA Rosette award, first awarded in 1956, was the first nationwide scheme for assessing the quality of food served by restaurants and hotels.

"Our team of inspectors have an unrivalled wealth of experience in assessing quality throughout the UK so receiving the award is a huge achievement not to be underestimated.

"The Rosette is an award, not a classification: Rosettes are awarded annually on a rising scale based on a meal visit by one or more of our inspectors.

"The long-established Rosette scheme celebrates successful cooking at different levels across the UK.

"Success or failure in achieving Rosettes is based on one or more visits by an AA inspector to a hotel or restaurant. Essentially the visit is a snapshot, whereby the entire meal, including ancillary items (when served), is assessed."

The pub is open Wednesday – Sunday and throughout summer holidays and bank holidays.