AN award-winning pub has had its hand forced in removing food options from its menu due to emergency circumstances.

After receiving a blue ribbon 2024/25 Good Food Award this month (November) it seemed that the Lethbridge Arms were on top of the world.

That is until an emergency, that turned into an approximately 12-hour flight, forced the owner's hand to remove Thai food from the menu.

The Lethbridge Arms serves gourmet burgers and Thai food as their main options, so no Thai food is a pretty big hit for the 16th century village pub.

The Monterrey Jack pickle burger is one of the multiple burger options available at the Lethbridge Arms.  (Image: Harry Mockridge/Newsquest)

The pub is ranked first for Thai restaurants in Somerset and in the top five rated restaurants in Taunton on TripAdvisor, with over 500 five-star reviews and celebrated a 5* food hygiene rating in May.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Arms announced as a 2024/25 Good Food Award winner

READ MORE: Somerset pub, near Taunton, reopens under new management

READ MORE: Somerset pubs in UK top 40 best pub lunches for autumn list

READ MORE: Taunton pub owners celebrate 18 years at 18th century pub

Offering multiple Thai dishes, the popular Pad Thai meal is listed as "one to try" at the Lethbridge Arms.

All Thai food is cooked by chef Amy Gratton fresh to order - ready to meet the individual spice preferences of each visitor.

Amy was sadly told that her mum's house in Thailand had caught fire and immediately she wanted to fly to see her and make sure she was okay.

Sarah Snowdon, the owner of the Lethbridge Arms, spoke about how she was "gutted" that Amy Gratton had to leave the country.

"We're absolutely gutted that Amy had to leave the country last week," Sarah told the County Gazette, "but at the same time we hope her mum is safe and well.

"As soon as Amy knew that her mum's house had been involved in a fire we let her go right away.

"Amy got the first flight to Thailand to check on her mum and we wish her and her mum well during the awful circumstances.

"Thai food will be back on the menu from December 10. We are sorry but we only want to serve the best we possibly can."