A pub from Milstead has been named one of the best places to eat in the country.

The Red Lion, on Rawling Street, is featured in the latest edition of the Michelin Eating Out in Pubs guide.

It is owned by Patrick Coevoet and his wife Josephine and regularly serves up dishes such as pigeon and pork terrine and bouillabaisse.

They are lovingly prepared by the Frenchman, who is also the pub’s head chef.

Mr Coevoet hopes Michelin’s seal of approval will help attract more customers.

He said: “The whole package is why we got [recommended], not just the food.

“I’m happy, definitely happy. It will keep us going a few more years!”

The pub guide features eight new additions from the county and means Kent now has 19 pubs in the prestigious list of more than 550 restaurants.

Guide editor Rebecca Burr said: “It’s indicative of the scene over in Kent.

“The locals like good food and good pubs. To find eight new additions is incredible.

“Getting in the guide is all about cooking, good ingredients and great value for money. We are also looking for a good welcoming atmosphere and a clean property.

“These days it is survival of the fittest and we are getting more demanding because we cook better at home. We are much more informed about food.

“So when we go out and spend our hard earned money we want it to be even better than what we produce at home.”