IT DOES not matter whether he is cooking school dinners for his local primary school or feeding celebrity chefs like Antony Worrall Thompson and showbiz stars, Paul Clerehugh always makes sure they get the best he can offer.

And it is that devotion to the cause of running a top gastro-pub that has landed him in the top 20 of the very best of British pubs.

Mr Clerehugh, owner of The Crooked Billet at Stoke Row, near Wallingford, saide he was "chuffed to bits" at his premises being named among the best.

In a poll to find the UK's top 20 pubs, a panel of more than 500 experts from the industry voted the Crooked Billet as number 11.

It was praised for giving its customers a consistently excellent experience with top-notch food, friendly atmosphere, great beer and friendly service.

Special praise was heaped on the pub for retaining the original 17th-century feel and for supporting the community with moves like preparing daily school meals for Stoke Row primary school, and Mr Clerehugh's commitment to local suppliers, farmers and produce.

The annual listing has been compiled by William-Reed, publishers of Caterer and Hotelkeeper, Morning Advertiser and Restaurant magazine.

They voted The Punch Bowl at Crosthwaite, Cumbria, as number one.

Earlier this year, Mr Clerehugh was so disappointed at the food being served children in Stoke Row Primary School that he took over the cooking for them.