THE Elizabethan in Luton has scooped Best Pub in the Devon Food and Drink Awards.

Owners Nick Powell and Anne Gibbs were announced winners during the annual awards ceremony at Exeter Golf and Country Club.

It’s the couple’s second win this year, after picking up a silver award from The Taste of The West.

Food and Drink Devon works to increase the county’s profile, both nationally and internationally.

Anne said: ‘It’s the first time we’ve entered these awards so it’s really great to pick up Best Pub. We’ve always embraced the ethos of local produce at The Elizabethan and decided to branch out to reach a wider audience this year.

‘Our customers say they can always taste the difference with our food. Everything we make is from scratch. We’re a bit like Masterchef but without the fluff!’

Nick and Anne bought The Elizabethan Inn in 2002 and have built up a reputation for great food. Nick is in charge of food, and Anne hospitality. They employ around 20 staff.

The couple met when Nick was head chef at The Old Rydon Inn, Kingsteignton, and Anne was working part-time behind the bar. They have an 11-year-old daughter, Chloe.

Anne added: ‘Hermann Hruby and his wife Miranda, of The Old Rydon, encouraged us to go for it when The Elizabethan was up for sale, so we did and we’ve never looked back.

‘We have a lovely bunch of loyal customers from the village and beyond. We cherish all our customers and their trade. It’s so important to us that people come here and have a good time.

‘There’s always a warm welcome at The Elizabethan and people leave here relaxed and happy.’

The Devon Food and Drink Awards was hosted by Nigel Barden, food and drink broadcaster from BBC Radio 2.

Barbara King, of Food and Drink Devon, said: ‘The awards are now in their fifth year and have gone from strength to strength. This year we have seen the widest variety yet of entrants from all over the county, with the highest number of award winners to date.

‘All of us at Food and Drink Devon would like to congratulate the winners for their superb achievements.’