A TAVISTOCK pub has received not only one but three accolades for its 'high quality food and drink'.

The Cornish Arms on West Street has not only maintained its 21st spot in the Budweiser Budvar Top 50 Gastropub Awards 2015, but has been placed as the ninth best gastropub in the countryas judged by a national newspaper and received the Food Pub of the Year award in the tenancy category.

John and Emma Hooker, who took on the pub two years ago, said they were delighted with receiving such high rewards for their dedicated effort.

John, chef proprietor at The Cornish Arms, said: 'We are completely blown away.

'These awards are great for the team, great for the pub and great for the town.'

The Cornish Arms' head chef Will Norrie said the awards were presented for the pub's outstanding food, using fresh produce and being a good 'all round' pub.

The Food Pub of the Year Award was presented to John and Emma after the annual Tribute Estate Awards, held by St Austell Brewery on January 29.

The award's celebration saw managers and staff from amongst the brewery's 170 owned and managed pubs and hotels in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.

With exceptionally high quality food and drink a top priority for St Austell Brewery, categories in the field were hard-fought — and making it to the top spot for the Food Pub of the Year award for tenancy was The Cornish Arms.

A spokesperson for St Austell Brewery said: 'The Cornish Arms is a fantastic success story and is a deserving winner of the awards.'

Adam Luck, St Austell Brewery Estate director, said: 'I would like to congratulate the tenants and staff who continue to work hard to keep up the amazing quality of service we strive to offer our customers.

'The awards evening is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all the hard work that goes on throughout the year.'

l Last year The Cornish Arms received the top accolade of a Bib Gourmand for its high quality food at affordable prices, just 18 months after it opened to the public following a refurbishment and a change in ownership.

The Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2015 saw 26 new Bib Gourmands awarded.