A pub in Bray run by star chef Heston Blumenthal has won a national award for its food - after missing out on the accolade at the competition last year. 

The Hinds Head in High Street, Bray, has won Best Pub For Food in The Great British Pub Awards 2025, which saw thousands of pubs compete in the 25th annual competition. 

The pub had reached the finals in the category last year - only to be bested by The Loch & The Tyne in Crimp Hill, Old Windsor.

Now the Berkshire pub has beat stiff competition from five other finalists to scoop this year's award.

But despite offering food that has won a Michelin star, delighted staff are "not 100% sure" what pushed the venue into the top spot at the recent awards. 

"We haven't had any feedback," said Ellen Romeo, restaurant manger at The Hinds Head for the last four years.  

She said: "It was a bit of a shock. Actually, we weren't expecting it all. I know that people say that but we genuinely not expecting it at all. 

"I would love to actually get some feedback, why we won out of the group."

The Hinds Head offers a selection of traditional pub meals, including steak, fish and chips - and even scotch eggs. 

Ellen said: "I think sometimes people are afraid if you have a Michelin star. They think they have to save up, or they're not welcome there with their babies or their family, or they have to buy expensive wine.

"We are a pub that is open to everyone. You can even just pop in and have a Scotch egg at the bar with a pint of beer."

Executive chef Peter Gray said the national award was an "unforgettable milestone" made all the more special as the business is celebrating its 20th anniversary this October. 

Peter said: "As a group, we take immense pride in every achievement—big or small. And now, sharing this award with the whole team and our customers makes it all the more special."

READ MORE: Berkshire restaurants that have received Michelin star awards

But it hasn't been all smooth service for the venue - as the pub has faced a series of challenges along with the rest of the pub industry over the last decade, according to Ellen, who has worked in the sector since she was 18. 

The 41-year-old said: "The past few years since Covid and Brexit and the cost of living, it has been the mot challenging time that I've ever seen. 

"I've dedicated my life to this industry because I love it."

And The Hinds Head is not the only Berkshire pub to pick up an award at The Great British Pub Awards - as The Swain, in Mill Lane, Windsor, won Best Community Pub. 

Next Wednesday will see The Hinds Head host an Olympics celebration dining experience with eight gold medallists from the local area attending for photos and autographs. 

Tickets are available at hindsheadbray.com.