Northamptonshire pub celebrates listing in 2016 edition of The Michelin Guide

The Red Lion in East Haddon was awarded the Bib Gourmand in the guide published earlier this week and which sets the standard for pubs and restaurants across the world. The pub was one of only 150 venues to be award the status, of which 75 are based in London.

The Bib Gourmand recognises good quality food, service and value for money and is the next level down from a Michelin star.

But for general manager of the pub, Joe Buckley, there are no aspirations to aim for a star.

“We are not interested in a Michelin star, the expectations of what is required is very different. We just want to give people good food at a good price,” he said.

“This the fourth year that we have achieved the Bib Gourmand and to get to this level and retain it is amazing and humbling.

“We treat every customer the same and offer a consistent product. You have no idea who the Michelin Guide judge is, they might be on their own or in a party of ten. We make sure that everyone is looked and after and make sure that the standard is above everyone else.”

While the award is a great motivator for staff, he said, it is not the be all and end all.

“The team is great and we had a couple of bottles of champagne last night to celebrate - but we are more impressed by a full reservations book. We want to do more covers and to cook the best quality food possible,” he added.