The staff at a South Lakeland pub have told of their delight at being recognised as one of the best culinary crafters of a great British dish.

The Wheatsheaf in Brigsteer, just west of Kendal, is among exemplary company in being named as serving up the 3rd best roast in the UK, by review site Rate Good Roasts.

The Black Labrador in nearby Underbarrow was named 5th in the survey, making the Kendal area a national hotspot for those of us who love tucking into a good roast dinner.

The Westmorland Gazette: DINNER: The perfect roast?DINNER: The perfect roast?

Acting Manager of The Wheatsheaf, Jessica Newell, said she was somewhat surprised to hear the news:

"We were totally unaware that this had even happened or was even a thing!

"It was only when I was contacted through @rategoodroasts that I looked into it and and saw the news, then our neighbouring pub in Underbarrow posted the results - I was shocked and straight away shared the news with our chefs."

Jessica said the reason for their success was simple - quality local ingredients and great chefs:

"We’re proud to use local suppliers for our meat and vegetables - this and the experience from both our Head Chef Tom and Sous Chef Nic.

"Throw it all in the pot, give it a mix and you have the 3rd best roast in the country."

The Wheatsheaf was only topped by the Bull and Bear in Manchester, which features a menu by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, and Great British Menu winner James Cochran's 12:51 restaurant in London which came in second.

The news came as a huge boost at a time when Jessica said The Wheatsheaf has faced the same struggles as many in hospitality:

"Currently everywhere in the country is struggling with staff, but we’re just making the best out of a bad situation.

"We’ve had to stop serving food for 2 days a week to allow the small kitchen and front of house team that we have, to have their well earned days off.

"I am covering as General Manager whilst our Manager is on maternity leave and to say that I am incredibly proud of the team we have, is a complete understatement - we are all more like family.

"We hope to continue building our team and coming out of the current pandemic and short staff situation stronger than ever, then who knows what we will go on to achieve."