FOUR East Lancashire dining venues have served up success in national gastro-pub awards.

The White Swan, Fence, the Freemasons at Wiswell, the Assheton Arms, Downham, and the Parkers Arms, Newton-by-Bowland, were included in the Estrella Damm Gastropub Awards, after they were voted for by top foodies and industry experts. 

Claiming third spot on the list of 50, one place behind celebrity chef Tom Kerridge’s pub Coach, was the Freemasons at Wiswell, owned by Steve Smith. 

Mr Smith, who also picked up the gastropub chef of the year award, said: “Lancashire has once again shown what a truly fantastic offering it has across the county and at The Freemasons we’re honoured to be leading the charge. “

He said the awards have kicked-off what promises to be a ‘game-changer’ of a year for The Freemasons with a new kitchen extension and four bedrooms due to launch in spring.

Mr Smith added: “This is a big year for the pub. We are happy to have established ourselves as one the best pubs in the country but with our new offering, we’re confident it will take us to the next level.”

The next East Lancs venue to feature on the list was the Parkers Arms which picked up 16th place. 

Stosie Madi, co-owner and chef at the restaurant, said: "This is the fifth year we have made it on to the list.

"It is wonderful to fly the flag for Lancashire and even more so when the Parkers Arms is the only venue to feature in the top 20 which has a female chef-owner. I am very proud of this achievement."

The White Swan, which was awarded a Michelin Star last October, became the highest new entry, in 19th place.

Laura Ostick, who owns the restaurant with husband Gareth and head chef Tom Parker, said: “We are thrilled to be a part of the awards and listed as the highest new entry.

“In 2017 we didn’t make the list but since then we have been awarded a Michelin Star. 

“We really hope it shows that our ethos runs from our front-of-house staff through to the food and everything we do.”

The Assheton Arms also represented for East Lancashire, coming in at 45th. 

A fifth Lancashire pub, The Cartford Inn, Preston, bagged 40th place.Top spot went to The Sportsman in Kent.