A restaurant in Hitchin is looking forward to welcoming a Michelin-starred TV chef as it prepares to host a prestigious national awards ceremony for gastropubs.

Tom Kerridge, right, seen by millions on BBC TV’s Food & Drink programme, is set to take centre stage for the 50 Top Gastropub Awards event, which is being held at the town’s Hermitage Rd Bar and Restaurant later today.

Kevin Nobes, general manager said: “It’s an absolute honour to host this prestigious event for the third year running.

“Yet again our team of head chefs from all six Anglian Country Inns establishments have come together to showcase their amazing creative abilities in the menu they are presenting to the top 50 gastropubs in the UK.”

Anglian Country Inns commercial director Howard Nye added: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming Tom Kerridge to the Hermitage Rd Bar and Restaurant today. It’s a huge honour, not only for Hermitage Rd but for Anglian Country Inns, too.”