A HAMPSHIRE country pub has scooped its biggest award yet after chalking up a string of successes over the past two years.

The Star Inn at East Tytherley, near Romsey, has been named pub restaurant of the year by the national trade magazine The Publican just a fortnight after being named best dining pub in the Hampshire 2003 Guide.

"We're overjoyed," said landlord Paul Bingham, who has been transforming the look of the menu since he and his wife Sarah took over two years ago.

He added: "We knew we were short-listed, but there are a lot of good pubs out there and it is always tough at this stage in any national competition."

As well as the quality of its meals, The Publican's city and business editor Paul Stretton cited its prices, which caters for all customers - main courses range from about £7.50 to £17 - as one of the secrets of The Star's success. He added that professionalism and thorough training also played major parts in The Star's success.

In 2000 Mr Bingham was named Hampshire Fare chef of the year and a rosette from the AA Pub Guide, followed in 2001 by the British meat pie of the year award for head chef Colin Pritchard and then this year's successes. The Publican awards also feature two other Hampshire pubs.

The Old Beams at Ibsley, near Fordingbridge, and the Queen's Head at Eastleigh.