CUSTOMERS can be safe in the knowledge they are in for a culinary treat when visiting a pub near Trowbridge, as two of its chefs have won their way through to the finals of a national competition.

Neil Clark, the head chef at The Linnet in Great Hinton, and his colleague Marion Cummins, will be taking part in the Pub Food Excellence awards in Milton Keynes next week and will be up against chefs from across the UK.

He is in the poultry and meat categories and she has scooped a place in the desserts section.

The winners of the competition will be announced in a ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel in London early next year.

Mr Clark, 29, who has worked at the Linnet for about seven years, said: "Both of the dishes I'm cooking have been on the menu in the pub.

"For the poultry category I'm doing Mallard, which is wild duck, and for the meat it is a twist on corned beef hash, as it's a similar dish but with lamb.

"To have two of us from the same place in a competition for only 30 chefs from across the country is a great achievement and really positive for the pub."

Apart from the fish, all the dishes on the menu at the Linnet are sourced in Wiltshire.

The meat comes from a butcher in Devizes and the fruit and vegetables are from Lovejoy's in Melksham.

The menu changes between five and six times a year and the foods are selected to match the seasons.

As well as the extensive regular menu there is a specials board, which is regularly updated, depending on which ingredients are in season and readily available.

"We really publicise the fact that our food is local because that is something most people support and enjoy," said Mr Clark.

With the pub being so well renowned for its food, it has a wine list that ensures every dish can be washed down with a suitable tipple.

The list includes 40 different wines from across the world, and there are five house whites and four house reds.

As Wadworth Brewery owns the pub the main ale is 6X, but there are also the usual lagers to choose from.

FACT FILE:
  • Food served Tues-Sat 12pm-2pm and 6.30pm-10pm and Sun 12pm-2.30pm and from 7pm-9.30pm
  • Ample car parking
  • Outside area for eating and drinking
  • Telephone (01380) 870354