THE OWNER of an award-winning pub said his business was bucking the trend in the Ribble Valley by attracting top chefs.

Steven Smith, who opened the Freemasons at Wiswell four years ago, said pubs which have their owners working in them will do better than those employing managers on a day-to-day basis.

The pub was recently named in the top 50 restaurants in the country by The Good Food Guide.

Now, it is gearing up to welcome a host of top chefs, including Great British Menu regular Mary Ellen McTague and Matt Tebbutt who presents Food Unwrapped on Channel 4, as part of Game Week 2013.

The six-day event will be held at the pub from Monday, October 21, to Saturday, October 26, with at least one top chef presenting a different evening menu each night.

Steven said: “I think the pub has a unique selling point and that’s the reason why we have thrived while other pubs have struggled in the Ribble Valley.

“It’s always sad when you see other pubs being closed and put up for sale and I think for more to survive they need to branch out and try to host events such as this one.

“It’s a very exciting time for the pub and I hope that it will provide a lot of entertainment for everyone who comes along.

“We obviously have a huge focus on food here and I think that other pubs might find it easier if they went down that route too.

“Having the owner who also works in the same pub is a bonus because it makes sure that they will be putting in the necessary effort to get the business running as it should.”

Other top chefs set to appear during the week include Paul Foster, Chris Holland, Peter Joseph and Eric Snaith.

The Freemasons Game Week will launch with a five-course signature menu by Michelin-starred Roger Jones from The Harrow at Little Bedwyn.