A WEST Devon pub is celebrating after retaining a prestigious countywide award ? and adding another to its expanding list of accolades. The Harris Arms at Portgate, near Lewdown, retained the Devon Best Country Pub of the Year award for the second year running at the Devon Life Food and Drink Awards, held at the Devon County Show. In addition, head chef Tim Treseder won the Devon Best Chef of the Year title. In order to qualify, the pub had to be nominated by Devon Life readers and local diners, with finalists receiving a personal visit by a panel of judges. During the visit, they were marked on their friendliness of service, ambience, menu and wine list and support for Devon-based suppliers and producers. Andy and Rowena Whiteman, who own the Harris Arms, said they and chef Tim were ?delighted? to receive the awards. Andy said: ?It was really good, there was just one other place which won two awards on the night, so we are really pleased ? and it was nice for Tim to get that recognition as well. ? We buy as much as we possibly can locally, all our meat is local, our fruit and vegetables ? we don?t buy in from London suppliers.? Andy said the judges visited the pub incognito, although they did identify themselves when they left. ?The wife of one of the judges said our sea bream was the best she?d had in years.? Andy said the team at the pub extended a huge ?thank you? to all their customers for their support over the last year. He and Rowena have been at the Harris Arms a year now. They are currently building a large decked area, which is due to be finished later this month, to the rear of the pub to take advantage of the panoramic views. Passionate wine lovers, the couple, who have been involved in wine making in New Zealand and France, have even planted their own vines at the pub. ?We?ve planted 24 vines ? they?re starting to grow, which is great, although it will be four years before we get the first crop from them ? and here, we are very weather-dependent,? said Andy. The next special event at the pub is a cocktail evening, being held tomorrow (Friday). Representatives from Plymouth Gin will be demonstrating cocktails and there will be plenty of tastings and a selection of Devon tapas to enjoy. Tickets cost £15, to include cocktails and tapas ? the event starts at 7pm.