A pub has won an award after a top chef joined its kitchen.

The Badger in New Ash Green won the Heart of the Community title – and £500 – at owner Brakspear pubs’ annual ceremony.

Mother and daughter Jen and Hollie Tillet, who run The Badger, have worked at the pub for 12 years but it was the arrival of talented chef Katherine Feddon – a former MasterChef Professionals semi-finalist – 18 months ago which opened up the pub to a wider audience.

They have also raised £10,000 for The Armed Forces charity and King’s College Hospital, and sponsor a darts team and two local football teams.

Jen said: “We’re thrilled to have won this award. The last 18 months since Katherine arrived have been amazing, as we’ve welcomed so many new dining customers to the Badger.

“We’ve made it clear that we’re first and foremost a community pub but now we’re serving some of the best food in the area as well. It’s great to have our efforts rewarded with this award and we’re grateful to our fantastic team of staff and supportive customers who have helped us make the pub what it is today.”