TWO East Lancashire eateries have been recognised by their peers in making a shortlist of the top 50 gastropubs nationally.

The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub Awards are voted for by top foodies and hospitality experts which include gastropub operators, food writers, catering development managers and celebrity and top hospitality industry chefs.

Flying the flag for East Lancashire are the Freemasons at Wiswell, which was fourth in the list, and also The Parker’s Arms, Newton in Bowland, which was eighth.

The Parkers Arms has had a meteoric rise through the ranks in the past few years as it was 47th in 2015, 48th in 2016, then up to 13th last year and eighth this year.

Chef patron Stosie Madi said: “It is a prestigious list and we are delighted about getting on there. The list is put together by huge critics and they know their stuff. It is a massive boost for the team and it is great to know we are doing the right things.

“The biggest thing is that pubs like us are dying out all the time - ones that are not chains.

“We are there 24/7 and there will be a member of our family-run business there to help, and every time someone comes to eat, then it is myself or a member of my team that are in contact with them.

“To get the recognition by our peers is great.”

She added that their unique selling point is freshly-made pies. on site is one of their unique selling points and they provide great food and being a pub.

Meanwhile, Steven Smith’s Freemasons at Wiswell are thrilled after holding their spot among the top five.

Steven said: “It shows the quality and that we keep progressing every year and we want to get in the top three.

“We want to keep rising up. It is good to get recognition, and it puts us at number one in the North West.

“To be included in such esteemed company really is proof of all the hard work and dedication by the team at The Freemasons and we’re delighted to take the fourth spot for the second year in a row.

“Most importantly for me, it shows a strong level of consistency, which is so important in this business and is essentially what keeps customers coming through our doors time and time again.”