Three west Dorset businesses have made it to the grand final of a very prestigious dining award.

The Club House in West Bexington, The Ollerod in Beaminster and The Acorn Inn in Evershot have been named as finalists in the Trencherman’s Awards 2020.

They are each up against three other establishments in their respective categories.

The Ollerod in Beaminster is up for best Trencherman’s hotel.

Silvana Bandini, who owns The Ollerod with her partner Chris, said: “Being selected as a finalist is a huge honour for Chris and I.

“Beaminster has become a true food and getaway destination. Being recognised in guides like the Trencherman’s, The Michelin Guide, Harden’s etc, really showcases all that The Ollerod, and West Dorset, has to offer, which is wonderful for us and the area.

“We are delighted.”

The Acorn Inn, in Evershot, is one of four in the running for best Trencherman’s pub.

Rachel Legg, a general manager at The Acorn Inn, said: “We are so excited to be in the final list and cannot thank everyone enough who has voted to show their support.

“It means everything to the team who are so passionate about what they do.”

The Club House at West Bexington is in the running to be named best Trencherman’s newcomer.

Steve Atrill, owner of the seafront restaurant, which has also been named in The Michelin Guide 2020 for the third year, along with The Ollerod, said: “It’s a great way to start 2020, to be recognised within the industry as The Club House is secluded in its location, but at the same time with its amazing food and views.”

Chef Mark Hix, owner of Hix Oyster and Fish House in Lyme Regis and organiser of the Food Rocks festival in the town, is a finalist for the award for special contribution.

The Trencherman’s Guide features only the best venues, guaranteed to give exceptional dining experiences, and the awards celebrate this.

A spokesman for the Trencherman’s Awards said: “The Trencherman’s board, chefs, members and readers have cast their votes and we are thrilled to reveal the Trencherman’s Awards 2020 grand finalists.

“For over five years, the Trencherman’s Awards have been the south west’s most prestigious dinning accolades.

“Whereas in previous years, both rounds of voting have been decided by tens of thousands of reader’s votes, this year we handed over control of the first round of our Trencherman’s members and chefs, while the shortlist was whittled down to four grand finalists in each category by our Trencherman’s readers.

“After a record number of votes, we’re thrilled to reveal the grand finalists.”

The Trencherman’s Awards 2020 winners will be revealed on November 25 at a ceremony at The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, complemented by a multi-course feast which will be prepared by last year’s winning chefs.