A CHEF in Clearwell has been named South West Chef of the Year and the region’s top professional chef for 2017 at a ceremony in Exeter.

Tudor Farmhouse’s Rob Cox was also judged as having the best menu and the best dish in the competition, launched by Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines in 2004.

Rob prepared a starter of cured brill, scallop tartare, smoked bacon hollandaise and pickled shallots with puffed spelt to take the prize for best dish.

He said: “I’m so thrilled to receive this recognition for my cooking and it’s an honour to represent not only Tudor Farmhouse, but also our beautiful region. The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are packed full of amazing produce and dedicated suppliers which makes our job of sourcing great local produce an absolute joy.

“I’m totally committed to quality and locally sourced ingredients, with most sourced from producers within a 20-mile radius of the hotel, who also share my passion for home-cooked, seasonal food.”

The boutique hotel, which used to be a 13th century working farm, is now a restaurant with

20 rooms, suites and cottages. It also has two AA Rosettes based on its cuisine.

The hotel has launched a new ‘Winter Foodie Break’, designed to encourage holidaymakers to the area during winter months and giving them the opportunity to sample Cox’s award-winning cuisine for themselves.