IT’S official – Hampshire is home to the best pub grub in the UK.

Staff and punters at The Greyhound on the Test in Stockbridge are celebrating after the watering hole was named Pub of the Year by Michelin.

The Michelin Eating Out In Pubs Guide 2014 includes 570 pubs across the nation, selected primarily on the quality of their food.

Part-owner Lucy Townsend said it was a great endorsement of the business.

She said: “I think people like our location, the variety of choice and the fact we have a car park in the busy Stockbridge High Street. It’s a very special building which has a lot of character and I think we have an excellent chef; one of the best I’ve worked with.

Lucy has worked in the industry for 25 years but took over the business just nine months ago.

She added: “I was very shocked when I got the phone call. To achieve this in such a short space of time is good for the team, good for morale and good for everything really.”

Head chef Alan Haughie said he was thrilled with the award.

“It was a fantastic surprise. We have only been going nine months so I don’t think anyone was expecting it. But it’s fantastic and great news for everyone here,” he said.

The pub specialises in modern English dishes with quirky touches and uses a lot of local ingredients, including Hampshire water buffalo.

Mr Haughie added: “Every chef wants to be recommended in the guide and any attention from Michelin is wonderful.”

Rebecca Burr, guide editor, added: “This 600 year old pub has loads of character. Lucy, the owner, is very involved in the day-to-day running of the pub and her cheerful nature rubs off on her young staff; the food is great and the bedrooms are charming.”

The pub has seven rooms from £70 per night and also runs fly fishing events.