Country pubs in North Yorkshire have come out top in the latest national Which? Guide.

And the county's success in seeing more rosette winners than any other in the country has been put down to good food.

The cream of the crop, which earned the "double rosette" award for bar food comparable to a restaurant, include two pubs in the Evening Press region, The Star Inn at Harome and the Crab and Lobster at Asenby, as well as the Angel Inn at Hetton, the Blue Lion at East Witton and the Yorke Arms at Ramsgill.

The other award-winning pubs include the Fox and Hounds at Sinnington and the Plough Inn at Saxton, as well as the Black Bull Inn, Moulton, the General Tarleton, Ferrensby, the Sandpiper Inn, Leyburn and the Sportsman's Arms, Wath-in-Nidderdale.

Pubs in the county have had to cope with their fair share of challenges over the years and at the moment are coping with the effects on tourism of the foot and mouth crisis.

But the writers of the Which? Guide to Country Pubs say the most successful pubs are the ones which focus on good, fresh food.

Editor Andrew Turvil said: "Every day, somewhere in the UK, a pub is put under threat, and faces a future as a private house or a themed restaurant. Pubs have been set a challenge as never before, and many have responded with imagination and dedication to the cause.

"A focus on fresh ingredients, cooked to order, is the common theme that links all good food pubs. The best make it their business to search out the best produce, demonstrating a commitment to quality and seasonality."

Jackie Pern, owner of the Star In at Harome, said: "Obviously we are thrilled at being recognised in this way.

"The award obviously helps to set us apart from other people which is great."

Catherine Stephens, owner of the Fox and Hounds, said: "What we're always striving for is to keep the quality of the food all the time and to provide an all-round service.

"We do support local farmers and do buy our meat locally."

She said trade had been quieter since the foot-and-mouth crisis, but the pub had not suffered much, and was lucky to be close to a main road.

"It affected accommodation slightly in the first fortnight but I think people are getting more confidence now and as far as tourism goes, there are so many things to do in North Yorkshire."

Updated: 08:38 Tuesday, April 03, 2001