COTSWOLD MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown has nominated lawyer-turned-local-pub-chef John Jewell of The Gumstool Inn, Tetbury for the 2017/18 Parliamentary Pub Chef of the Year award.

John and other entrants will be judged by an expert panel and if shortlisted will go through to a cook-off to display their skills for the likes of former Michelin star holder, Paul Merrett.

The award, sponsored by Nestlé Professional, will be presented in the New Year and is run by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) and the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group.

Mr Clifton-Brown said he was impressed that John “uses some of the freshest local ingredients to produce fantastic dishes which are essentially traditional in nature but always made with a twist”.

“I have eaten all around the world and his innovative dishes are some of the best I have tasted anywhere,” he added.

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the BBPA said: "With pubs serving around a billion meals each year it is important to recognise the contribution pub chefs make to the eating out experience in this country.

“The outstanding range of culinary options that span from breakfast to evening meals demonstrates the huge wealth of creativity in pub kitchens, big and small.

"Many leading, well-known celebrity chefs have ventured into the pub arena helping to further boost the quality of food in pubs, whilst still making it an affordable treat.

“Our aim is to highlight the talented chefs around the country, help spot future stars and encourage more young people to consider training and working as a chef in a pub.”

George Vezza, managing director of Nestlé Professional, said: "Fostering the next generation of talent is something we're passionate about and we wish all entrants the best of luck."