A popular Abergavenny restaurant has been named amongst the top 20 gastropubs in the UK.

The Hardwick restaurant, situated just outside Abergavenny on the Old Raglan Road is run by chef Stephen Terry and is renowned for its high-quality locally-produced food.

The pub and Stephen’s food have earned rave reviews from esteemed restaurant critics and chefs including Masterchef’s Gregg Wallace and Michelin-star chef Michel Roux Jr, who has named the Hardwick as his favourite Welsh restaurant.

The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub Awards confirmed the Hardwick as the top-rated gastropub in Wales, taking the Number 20 spot amongst UK gastropubs.

The annual list is created by several hundred judges made up of food industry experts, journalists and chefs across the UK. Each judge is asked to vote for their top three gastropub businesses, from those visited in the past year before votes are tallied to produce a top 50 list.

The Hardwick was joined in the top 50 by another Gwent pub in the Black Bear Inn in Bettws Newydd, Usk, which ranked 47 on the official list – and third amongst Welsh pubs. Hardwick chef Stephen Terry opened his first restaurant 21 years ago, with the Hardwick personifying his passion for local Welsh produce.

Stephen works alongside Junior Sous Chef Henry Macleod at the Hardwick, with the two between them producing a comprehensive menu of old favourites and new dishes using their knowledge of fresh local ingredients.

Living by the mantra that the Hardwick is only as good as the produce it uses, Terry crafts dishes from the bountiful supply of local ingredients and stock at his disposal, crediting producers he works with directly on the menu.

The pub also offers an extensive range of Champagnes, sparkling, white and red wines as well as a variety of beers.

As well as a bar and restaurant area, there is a dedicated wing for guests to stay and enjoy the pub’s peaceful surroundings.

Several menus are offer including an a la carte menu with dishes generally priced no higher than £34, whilst the daily lunch menu is reasonably priced at £32 for three courses and the Sunday lunch menu is £35.

Speaking on their Top 50 Gastropubs awards website, Estrella Damm said: “We congratulate all those named on the list for their top-quality service and produce.

“The gastropub market is vibrant and booming, with top end chefs offering fine, Michelin-starred dining experiences in a pub environment, through to more traditional but high quality pub classics, all of which is represented in the Top 50 Gastropub’s list.”