A riverside restaurant has been named as one of the 50 best gastropubs in the country.

The Bell Inn in Hampton has been listed alongside pubs run by top chefs including Heston Blumenthal and Tom Kerridge for the top 50 gastropub awards 2013.

The annual awards are based on votes cast by food experts including chefs, food writers and pub guide editors from all over the country. 

The Bell Inn collected enough votes to make the top 50 list and will find out its exact ranking on January 28.

Simon and Sarah Bailey founded Absolute Pubs, which operates the Bell Inn, and said they were delighted.

Mr Bailey said: “These are prestigious awards which recognise the very best gastropubs and it’s an honour to be included alongside pubs run by well-known chefs such as Heston Blumenthal and Tom Kerridge.

“We’re also grateful to our staff team, both in the kitchen and front of house. It is their talent and hard work that have helped to make the Bell Inn a top 50 gastropub.

“We don’t mind whether we’re first or 50th on the list, though – it’s a thrill just to be on it.”

The Baileys have been running the Bell Inn since 2010 and aim to offer high quality, freshly cooked food, first-class service and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.