A RIBBLE Valley chef has been shortlisted for an award.

Steven Smith, chef-patron at the Freemasons at Wiswell, has been selected for Best Newcomer in the Publican Awards.

He has been chosen along with five other nominees and the winner will be announced at a glitzy ceremony at Grosvenor House on London’s Park Lane on April 6.

Freemasons was a winner of the Pub Design of the Year at last year’s The Publican Awards and the recognition comes hot on the heels of the gastro pub being awarded the coveted Bib Gourmand award in the new Michelin Guide.

Steven said: “Any recognition within the industry is always welcome but this nomination recognises the fact that we have only been going for just over a year.”