THE South West is one of the places to be when it comes to looking for the best pub grub around.

The Bell & Crown - Zeals in Wiltshire, The Crown at Ampney Brook in Gloucestershire and The Lost & Found in Bristol have been named three of the best pubs in the region at this year’s National Pub & Bar Awards.

A total of 94 pubs and bars have been recognised following the unveiling of the National Pub & Bar Awards county winners.

The awards aim to highlight the positive and inspiring work being carried out across the UK’s hospitality industry.

Bell & Crown - Zeals, Wiltshire

The Bell & Crown - Zeals pub sits just off the A303 in the village of Zeals and is a convenient spot for a Sunday roast and a local ale or two after a stroll around the nearby gardens at Stourhead House.

It has six letting rooms and an outside dining area covered by a large stretch tent.

On their website it said: "This outside space changes with the seasons, in the summer, guests are blessed with bright yellow views of rape seed in the arable field opposite; and in the winter guests can cosy up under a heater as the mist descends around them."

On Tripadvisor, The Bell & Crown has a current rating of 4.5.

One visitor posted: "Stayed 4 nights and enjoyed every minute. The room was modern clean and well appointed and had a very comfortable bed. 

"The pub and restaurant was great with food and wine of the highest quality.

"We were well looked after by very attentive staff for whom nothing was too much trouble. Will certainly return one day!"

The Crown at Ampney Brook, Gloucestershire 

This restored 16th Century country pub inn, located in Ampney Crucis is outside Cirencester. 

They offer a range of dining experiences from a casual weekday lunch in the pub to a dinner at one of their chef’s table, to a parties in their private dining rooms or alfresco domes.

On their website they said: "Our seasonal, farm-to-table menus are inspired by our idyllic Cotswolds surroundings, focusing on top quality meats, fish and vegetables sourced as locally as possible."

On Tripadvisor, The Crown at Ampney Brook has a current rating of 4.

One visitor said: "We had a lovely Sunday evening meal and stay at the hotel, the staff couldn't be more helpful and in particular Martin who served us a fantastic meal and was incredibly accommodating. Couldn't recommend enough!"

The Lost & Found, Bristol

This whimsical bar is located in heart of Bristol in Queens Road, Clifton.

They serve a range of inventive cocktails, a seasonal bar menu, bottomless brunch and afternoon tea.

On Tripadvisor, The Lost & Found Bristol has a current rating of 4.5.

One visitor said: "Superb black tie 21st birthday event in The Lounge. Venue, food and drinks package were all exceptional. 

"The event was organised so professionally, with service that was seamless and slick. 

"Little touches in the lounge area made this black tie event very memorable.

"Kai’s fresh ideas as events manager and a venue with a great ambiance meant this was the perfect place to celebrate. Would highly recommend."

The awards ceremony 

The grand final awards ceremony, takes place in London on Wednesday, June 28.

The county winners will discover which pubs will be taking home a regional title, as well as which site is to be named the UK’s best, leaving with the overall National Pub & Bar of the year accolade.

Entries for the awards have been open since the start of the year, with hundreds of venues outlining the details of their operation, summarising the work that goes into design, training, team welfare, sustainability, food, drink, marketing and many other areas.