Hampshire pub the Cricketers wins three-star SRA rating
New Pub Co's Hampshire venue the Cricketers, in Hartley Wintney, has been awarded three stars from the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA).
The pub/restaurant is now one of 150 restaurants in the UK to achieve this standard, including Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons and River Cottage.
The SRA assesses restaurants' environmental and social impact, rating them on the provenance of their food, how they manage their energy, waste and water and their contribution to the local community, in order to reach a final score.
Manager Mark Thornhill and his family took over the operation in March and said that sustainability has since become something they are very passionate about.
"It's always been my ambition to be listed in the Michelin guide and we achieved that this year but getting a Three Star SRA rating is even better," he said. "It makes so much more sense to operate this way as it's good for business because we have a story to tell about our food."
Mark Linehan, managing director of the SRA, added: "It's fantastic that The Cricketers has, within just a few months, totally embraced sustainability and made it work.
"All our research shows this is what diners want, so customers at the Cricketers can now enjoy their meal and leave with a good taste in their mouths."
Thornhill and chef Hayleigh Cook have created a menu featuring local produce and free-range meat. The Cricketers' three star status also reflects its support for the community and a local cancer charity; use of recycled furniture; and availability of doggy bags for diners to take home unfinished meals.
