Bar dishes winner

Michael Ward, head chef, the Highwayman, Burrow, Kirkby Lonsdale, Lancashire, 01524 273338 www.highwaymaninn.co.uk​

Tenure: The second pub from Nigel Haworth's Ribble Valley Inns

Dish: Highwayman dips - black pea, marrowfat pea and preserved olive tomatoes, organic breads

Why is it a winner? It's a twist on the hummus dish but with more of a traditional feel, so easy to prepare and get out to customers. Customers love it.

Background: Michael has been a chef for 20 years and he now works closely with Nigel Haworth to develop new, seasonal dishes. This is his first head chef role and he enjoys mentoring young chefs.

On the pub's menu:

Starter: Treacle baked Cumbrian Middlewhite ribs, devilled black peas (£5.50).

Main: Breast of corn-fed Goosnargh chicken, braised pearl barley, celeriac and onions, celeriac sauce (£10.50).

Dessert: Mulled pear sponge pudding, vanilla custard (£4.50).

Judges' comments

A very original idea and the flavours have really been packed into those dips. The breads are fantastic and it's a great dish for vegetarians.