A thriving Worcestershire pub is celebrating following a double helping of good news that it has been shortlisted for a prestigious food award and been invited to join a respected national pub guide.

The Talbot Inn at Newnham Bridge has been named as a finalist in the 2014 Visit Worcestershire Awards for Excellence, an annual tourism and food competition which aims to showcase the achievements of local businesses across the county.

Shortlisted within the Best Tastes of Worcestershire category, staff at the historic pub hope to bring home the trophy on October 23 after the ceremony which is being held in Bewdley.

The popular country inn, which was has seen a dramatic turnaround since the derelict building was purchased three years ago by local businessman Ian Dowling, has also been included in the 2015 Michelin Pub Guide, the handbook for people looking for good food and first class accommodation in pubs across the UK.

Mr Dowling said: “We’re now entering our third year and have enjoyed consistently positive feedback from both local customers and those from further afield. Now in the space of two weeks we’ve been nominated for the award and had the great news that we will be included in one of the UK’s most respected pub guides. Both carry a huge amount of credibility.

“It’s superb news as it shows people are sitting up and taking notice of what we’re doing, the food we are serving and the service we are delivering through both the restaurant and our rooms.

“The accommodation side is one area of the business which is really thriving. It is helping to attract a regular flow of business people, leisure travellers and even shooting parties. That’s great to see as the majority of these people are visiting from all corners of the country.”

The landmark 8,000 square foot venue has experienced mixed fortunes over the years before it reopened in September 2012. It now employs 20 full and part time staff as a 90-seat gastro pub with seven en-suite bedrooms and private dining.

Last summer the pub secured a place in the Alastair Sawday ‘Special Places’ guide.

The winner and highly commended entries from each category in the Visit Worcestershire Awards for Excellence will be put forward to the 2015 Visit England Awards for Excellence.