FOOD critics from the acclaimed Michelin Guide have praised a West Dorset pub – for its Scotch eggs and burgers.

They included the Three Horseshoes at Powerstock as a new entry in the 2012 edition of the international food bible.

Its citation reads: “It’s simply all about the food at the ’Shoes.

“They make their own breads, ice creams, chutneys and pickles; try the wild boar Scotch egg or veal and bone marrow burger.”

The guide was published on the same day that The Three Horseshoes won a Gold award from Taste of the West.

Landlord and chef Karl Bashford, 39, who took over the Palmers Brewery pub with his partner Susie two years ago, said: “I’m chuffed as anything, we all are. I’ve never had such a big day.”

Susie said: “We’ve worked hard. But when you see people coming back, and people really happy, and when you get amazing surprises like the Gold award, it’s worth it.”

Also in The Three Horseshoes’ kitchen team are Dan Price, 24, from Powerstock, and Bridport trio Richard Ward, 46, Tom Denning, 23, and Charlie Lawrence, 16.

The New Inn at Stoke Abbott also got a Gold award from Taste of the West, while The George at Chideock got a Silver.