A pub near Ashford is shortlisted for a top gastropub award, beating 7,000 other nominees.

The Five Bells Inn in East Brabourne is now among seven finalists for the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs Foodies' Favourite Award.

Decided by a public vote, the Rocksalt Group-owned inn is up against fierce competition from across the country.

The group's owners Mark Sargeant and Josh De Haan said: "It’s been a challenging year for the hospitality industry and we’re thrilled to have been shortlisted for the Estrella Damm Foodies' Favourite Award.

"This is recognition for the hard work our teams have put in and the quality of the food and service they’ve provided.

"Our menus at The Five Bells are focused on local and seasonal produce with a core selection of suppliers from the south coast of Kent and into East Sussex.

"All fish come from the Rye Bay area and from the day boats operating out of Folkestone Harbour, directly in front of Rocksalt restaurant.

"We have also invested heavily in our own farmstead, Mill House, which provides seasonal fruit, vegetables, lambs and soon to be pigs for 2021.

"We look forward to being able to reopen soon - and to continue serving our local communities. If you like what we do, we’d really appreciate your vote."

It wouldn't be the first time The Five Bells has received top awards - it was named the Best Pub in Kent at the National Pub Awards, and got the same title in the National Pub and Bar Awards.

The inn is part of The Rocksalt Group, which also owns Rocksalt, The Radnor Arms, The Pilot and The Smokehouse in Folkestone, Wye's The Wife of Bath, The Duke William in Ickham and The Woolpack Inn in Warehorne.

Voting for the Estrella Damm Award ends at midnight on January 3, and you can click here to vote.

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