AN inn famed for its chef's black pudding and foie gras signature dish has been named the country's best gastro-pub.

The Star Inn at Harome, near Helmsley, once again reigns supreme in the The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub Awards which sees venues voted for by top food critics and hospitality experts.

Other pubs in the top 50 included The Rat Inn, near Hexham, which was placed 11th and The Broad Chare, on Quayside, Newcastle, which won 18th spot.

The venue has consistently appeared in the top five of the Gastropubs list, coming in third and fifth place in 2016 and 2015 respectively.

It has also won it twice before so it is third time lucky for chef-patron Andrew Pern who is delighted with the result.

He said: “It is a fantastic achievement to say the least, and it is well-deserved for all the staff, for everybody from the top to the bottom, it is as much of an award for them.”

Mr Pern, who has been at the Michelin-starred inn for 21-years, said he is proud that the venue represents the food of the region and works closely with North Yorkshire suppliers and the local community.

He said: “We are still a local pub as well, you can come in for a pint and a game of dominoes and be very welcome.

“It is a one-off and has always been a good eatery over the years, even in the 60s and 70s so it was quite ahead of its time and we are another chapter in that history.”