Ramsay's gastropub in running for top award

Gordon Ramsay's foray into the world of pub food appears to have struck gold as today his East End gastropub has been named one of the five best in London.

The Narrow has been shortlisted in the annual Time Out eating and drinking awards, which honour restaurants, pubs, cafés and bars.

The pub in Limehouse has enjoyed consistently good reviews since opening earlier this year. Fay Maschler, the Evening Standard's food critic, described Ramsay's arrival on the pub scene as "assuredly a good thing".

He is currently refurbishing his second gastropub, the Warrington Hotel in Maida Vale. His nomination is welcome news for the chef, who is facing legal action in New York over claims that scenes from an episode of his US version of Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares series were faked.

But the awards may provide the famously irascible cook with another reason to be irritated - he reportedly deplores the use of the word "gastropub".

The Time Out awards, in their 18th year, take in categories including best new restaurant, best bar and best British food.

The magazine's food and drink editor Guy Dimond said the most encouraging trend of this year was the rejuvenation of traditional British cuisine.

He said: "British restaurants are now groovy and fun, whereas they were previously kind of stiff and old-fashioned. People are taking a real pride in them.

"I have to say when I started eating out in London 20 years ago, British food was not terribly appealing. It has become more diverse, more interesting and more exciting."

Among those nominated in the best British category are the Empress of India in Victoria Park and the National Dining Rooms in the National Gallery.

Award winners will be decided by a panel of expert judges who will visit nominees anonymously before casting their votes. They will also take into account feedback from Time Out readers. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 17 September.