STOURBRIDGE MP Margot James has nominated a Lye pub chef for this year's Parliamentary Pub Chef of the Year award.

Andre Pelaud, of The Windsor Castle Inn, said he was "extremely pleased" to have been nominated for the top award and he added: "It is a real honour and recognition of our team's efforts to make The Windsor Castle a premium eating out location for the region. Such a nomination, for what is a truly prestigious award, will prove a real boost to everyone at our pub.”

Andre, who has been at the pub since 2014, joins a host of chefs up and down the country set to compete for the accolade of Pub Chef of the Year from the two categories, Pub Chef and Young Pub Chef of the Year.

Entrants will be judged by an expert panel who will shortlist contenders for a cook-off where they will display their skills to organisers, The British Beer and Pub Association, as well as judges from sponsors Nestlé Professional, the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group and acclaimed TV guest chef presenter and former Michelin star holder Paul Merret.

Ms James said: “The Windsor Castle is a very popular local pub in Stourbridge, not only for its beer but also for its fantastic food.

"It is my pleasure to nominate Chef Andre Pelaud for the award, he and his colleagues produce fantastic home-cooked food and thoroughly deserve any praise that is directed their way.

“It is important that outstanding achievements in the pub trade are recognised.

"Food is a growing part of the pub trade and I’m sure local residents and people in the pub industry would agree that excellent chefs, such as Andre, should be recognised in the same way that excellent brewers and beer are.”

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, said: "Many leading, well-known celebrity chefs have ventured into the pub arena helping to further boost the quality of food in pubs, whilst still making it an affordable treat.

"Our aim is to highlight the talented chefs around the country, help spot future stars and encourage more young people to consider training and working as a chef in a pub."