A PUB in Cricklade is toasting its own success after scooping two top food awards.

The Red Lion, on the High Street, won two accolades at this year’s Publican Food and Drink Awards when it went home with the title Local Food Pub of the Year and Overall Food Pub of the Year.

The 17th century pub also won through to the final round of the British Food Pub of the Year, narrowly missing out on a hat trick of titles.

Owner Tom Gee said it was a fantastic achievement for the Red Lion, which serves classic pub food to modern British dishes.

"It felt incredible to come home with two national awards," he said after hearing the news last Thursday.

"It goes to show how hard my staff work, they are all spectacular."

The pub was judged earlier this year by a member of the judging panel, who remained a mystery diner.

"The fact we didn’t even know we were being judged simply proves we keep our high-standards up at all times," said Mr Gee.

"All the staff at the Red Lion are passionate about the food we serve which comes across in the quality."

The Publican's editor Caroline Nodder said the Red Lion had "excelled" itself.

She said: "They offer everything the modern consumer wants, from locally-sourced produce and crafted ales to premium drinks and homemade pies, all in a relaxed environment with friendly staff and a warm welcome."

Last year the pub reached the final in the Most Diverse Beer Range category of the Publican Awards. Mr Gee said he hoped to win all three next year.