A CUMBRIAN inn has just been given the second stamp of approval from an anonymous AA inspector.

The verdict is in for Carter at the Sun Inn, Kirkby Lonsdale, which has just been awarded its second AA Rosette.

Named after head chef Sam Carter, the 17th century inn's restaurant has held on tightly to its one Rosette since 2009.

But following an anonymous visit from an AA inspector, it has become one of a very select group in Cumbria to receive the next grading up.

Sam said: “We are absolutely over the moon! As a team, we’ve been working towards our second AA Rosette for some time and this award is a real tribute to everyone who works day in, day out, to make sure everyone who orders food with us receives a top-notch dining experience.

"Our philosophy of food is to keep things simple while also trying to use the finest, freshest ingredients and never being afraid to try new ideas. At the end of the day, it’s the taste of the food which counts!”

The AA’s Rosette scheme assesses the quality and taste of dishes prepared in restaurants and hotels nationwide and two Rosettes are given to 'the best local restaurants' with 'better consistency' and 'obvious attention to the quality and selection of ingredients'.

Co-owner Lucy Fuller said: “We are so proud of all our staff, guided by our creative and inspirational head chef Sam Carter. It’s a great accolade, especially given the calibre of hotels and restaurants in the surrounding area.

"For a traditional inn like ourselves to be up there alongside a select group of large country house hotels is very special, and really adds a different dimension to what we offer.”