Michelin Pub of the Year announced

The Punch Bowl Inn, at Crosthwaite, Cumbria, has been named Michelin Pub of the Year 2009.

The pub is owned by Paul Spencer, who also owns the Drunken Duck in Barngates, Ambleside, Cumbria.

The pub was selected from the 563 in the new Michelin Eating Out in Pubs Guide 2009. Michelin cited the pub¹s delightful rural setting; characterful interior, its community spirit, home-brewed beer; excellent local produce; great classical cooking and luxury accommodation, as the reasons the pub has won the award.

Four local ales are offered at the Punch Bowl, including the home-brewed Tag Lag. Every dish offered on the dinner has a recommended wine to accompany it.

The food offer includes open sandwiches, a speciality of baked cheese soufflé and a regional cheese selection.

A Michelin spokesman said: "If it¹s fine dining without pretension you're after, this is definitely it."

The 2009 edition of the Michelin¹s Eating Out in Pubs Guide is launched today and includes 84 new pubs.

All pubs in the guide have been selected for the quality of their cooking, but 110 pubs have also been given a special mention as Michelin says they have at least one extra quality that makes them particularly special. This could be the delightful setting, the pub¹s charm and character, the excellent service, the overall value for money offered or the exceptional cooking. These are highlighted in the guide with an "inspectors' favourites" stamp.

Derek Bulmer, the guide¹s editor said: "The standard of cooking in British and Irish pubs keeps getting better and better. We are seeing a growing confidence in our culinary heritage, greater use of local, seasonal ingredients and a rediscovery of regional specialities."