IT'S official The BridgeHouse Hotel in Beaminster serves up 'fabulous food'.

In its first ever annual awards, hotel experts Alastair Sawday’s have given the hotel and head chef, Steve Pielesz, a 'Fabulous Food' award - just one of three eateries in the UK to be selected out of more than 300.

UK Editor, Tom Bell, presented the award to hotel owners Mark and Joanna Donovan along with kitchen team, sous chef Geraldine Gay and Junior Sous, Dan Dominguez.

Mr Bell said: "The meat pie I enjoyed at the BridgeHouse was simply one of the best I have ever tasted.

"It was tough making the choice of three equal winners out of the 314 that were considered. However, the BridgeHouse shone through and is a deserved winner. It has shown it can move with the times and produce simple, affordable fayre packed with taste and superbly cooked."

The accolade is hard on the heels of the hotel's third successive Taste of the West Gold Award.

BridgeHouse owner, Joanna said: "We're simply thrilled to be recognised not once but twice by such prestigious, food authorities as we've always been passionate about our food at the hotel."

To celebrate its success the hotel has launched a special 'pasta & pasta night' every Wednesday lunch and dinner. The special menu is priced at £35 for two and includes a glass of wine each. Bookings can be made on 01308 862200.

The BridgeHouse Hotel has been owned by Mark and Joanna Donovan for 11 years.

It is 3 Star and 2 AA Rosette rated with 13 luxury bedrooms.

The hotel is believed to be one of Beaminster's oldest - some 700-years-old and was originally built as a priest's house.