TWO top pubs in north Essex have been shortlisted for the final of the Great British Pub Awards.

The Anchor Inn, in Nayland, and the Victory, in West Mersea, have won the titles of the best green pub and the best food pub in the East Anglia region respectively.

Most of the Anchor Inn’s meat is reared on the family’s farm and vegetables are grown in the pub’s garden. Local suppliers are also used for fruit, wine and beer to keep food miles to a minimum.

Used cooking oil is converted into bio-diesel for owner Hector Bunting’s Land Rover. The pub, in Court Street, also recycles 92 per cent of its waste.

Mr Bunting said: “Making the pub more environmentally-friendly has been a challenge, but it was important to me.

“Customers have been very impressed by what we’ve achieved so far.

“I’m grateful to the team of fantastic staff who have put the pub into the finals for this top award, especially pub manager David Hoare.”

The Victory, in Coast Road, impressed the panel of judges and was named as the best food pub in the east.

Publicans Gill and Peter Tydie said they were thrilled to be shortlisted.

Mr Tydie said: “We’ve worked hard to make this a place where customers know they can always enjoy a delicious meal and outstanding service.”

The Victory said its main attractions are its Dover sole and roasted pork belly.

The national final will take place at the London Hilton, in Park Lane, on September 9.