RANKED higher than all the rest, one Somerset pub has been highlighted as the best pub in the South West by Food Lifestyle magazine.

Food Lifestyle is a quarterly magazine that highlights the best places to eat, stay, shop, and visit in the South West of England.

Their readers were asked to vote on a range of their favourite amenities including, restaurant of the year, outstanding retail experience, exceptional spa experience and course pub of the year.

This month, they have chosen The Queen's Arms pub in Corton Denham, near Sherborne as their 'South West Pub of the Year'.

The winning pub was up against some tough competition to win the title with other South West finalists just missing out.

Some of the finalists include Harbour Inn in Porthleven, The Tartan Foxin Newquay and The Tolcarne Inn in Newlyn.

There was further Somerset representation in the South West Pub of the Year voting as The Cotley Inn, Chard was one of the five finalists.

The Queen’s Arms now takes part in the monthly Sherborne Market, bringing their freshly made focaccia, baguettes, tomato relish and much more to the town for customers to enjoy at home.

The Queen’s Arms will be at the next Sherborne Market on November 17.

A spokesperson from the Food Lifestyle magazine said: "For over a decade, our awards have celebrated the South West’s best chefs, restaurants, dining pubs, foodie hotels, drinks products, farm shops and more.

"To mark our evolution into Food Lifestyle, this year we established new categories in the lifestyle realm including exceptional spa experience, cool place to stay and outstanding retail experience, providing readers with even more opportunity to get behind their favourite indie businesses.

To celebrate the award, the pub is offering 20% off lunch from Monday to Thursday – all you have to do is mention ‘Pub of The Year’ when booking online or on the phone.

Director of The Queen’s Arms, Doune Mackenzie-Francis, said: “We were completely thrilled to win the award!

“I have to thank our team as they have made us what we are and it’s a great boost for us all.”