A VENUE near Ludlow has been recognised by the AA for its high standards.

Old Downton Lodge, based in Downton-on-the-Rock, has been awarded a two AA Rosette Award by AA Hotel Services and maintained its five gold stars for its hotel.

Simon Numphud, AA Hotel Services business manager, said: “Head chef Karl Martin’s achievement of a two AA Rosette Award recognises high standards, consistency and precision, serving food prepared with care and with evident selection of fresh, seasonal, quality ingredients.

"Good understanding and use of technical skills are demonstrated in the cooking, with clarity of flavours shining through.”

Mr Martin, head chef at Old Downton Lodge, said: “In the short time I have been at Old Downton Lodge, it is a great personal achievement.

"We are working very closely with local suppliers for example DW Walls and Son in Ludlow to bring only the freshest local produce to the table.

"Working with such great ingredients is really a delight and makes my job so much more rewarding. I would like to thank all our suppliers that have helped us achieve this award. ”

Willem and Pippa Vlok, the owners of Old Downton Lodge, said: “We are so proud of Karl and the whole team at Old Downton Lodge it is great to see the business progressing in such a positive direction. We really have to thank everyone working at Old Downton Lodge for helping us achieve this award.

"We can honestly say it would not be possible without all the hard work; especially from the housekeepers who were praised specifically by the AA inspector for the quality of their work."

AA Rosettes were first introduced more than 50 years ago as an award system recognising the emergence of British hotel cooking after 15 years of rationing.

In 1992 the AA Rosette scheme was revised as the five-tier rating system that is recognised today.

Of all the restaurants across the UK, approximately 10% are of a standard worthy of one rosette and above, all of which feature in the AA Restaurant Guide.