TWO businesses in the area have made it into the prestigious Les Routiers British Pubs and Inns Guide, due out this autumn.

The businesses are Seven, the former Severn Stars in the Homend, Ledbury, and Mainstone House at Trumpet, between Ledbury and Hereford.

Seven, a Grade II-listed coaching inn, was badly damaged in the fire in 2001 and needed major restoration.

Now it joins just a handful of businesses in the county celebrated by Les Routiers.

Nicholas Stanley, of Les Routiers, said: "We are absolutely thrilled that Seven is now a member of Les Routiers, and this rewards the hard work and dedication of the team involved."

Dishes singled out for praise included herb-encrusted cod and creamy leeks and home-made lasagne.

John and Lesley Woakes, of Mainstone House, were offered their slot in the Les Routiers guide as soon as its representative had finished his meal there.

As was the case with Seven, the Les Routiers inspector was particularly impressed by the use of local food producers, suppliers and dishes.

The Les Routiers representative enjoyed an opening dish of mushrooms with ginger and spring onions followed by a main course called Herefordshire beef olives and followed by a home-made lemon meringue pie.