Winning fish dish brings rewards for the Red Lion

Things are looking a bit fishy at the Red Lion in Malvern, but only because publican Steve Hickman won a two-day course at Rick Stein's Padstow Seafood School in a recipe competition.

Steve entered a promotion linked to National Seafood Week, organised by The Union Pub Company (UPC). His River Severn salmon stuffed with local cream cheese and pesto, and wrapped in ribbons of courgette, was judged the winning entry from pubs across the UPC estate.

Steve, who promotes his local pub by driving round in his Mini car, said: "I get my salmon in fresh from my wife's uncle, who's been fishing for Severn salmon for more than 50 years. When it's in season, I jump at the chance to impress both the in-laws and customers alike with new recipes."

UPC's catering development manager Ben Bartlett added: "I'm impressed by the quality and imagination of the Red Lion's salmon dish - it proves that the standard of pub food is really gathering momentum, especially where they are using good local suppliers backed up with home-cooked dishes."

Pictured: Steve Hickman with the car he uses to advertise his pub.​