HE’S among the town’s top chefs and has been nominated for a pub ‘Oscar’.

Tim Bilton runs The Butcher’s Arms at Hepworth and is co-owner of The Kaye Arms at Grange Moor – and they’ve both been listed in The Publican Awards 2011.

He co-owns The Kaye Arms with chef and business partner Chris Kelly. It has been nominated in the Newcomer of the Year category.

The Butcher’s Arms has been nominated for Food Pub of the Year and Tenanted/Leased Pub of the Year award.

Tim said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for three more awards so early in the year, especially when we’re up against stiff competition from all over the UK.

“It’s a great pat on the back for our hard-working teams at both restaurants.

“Let’s hope this is just the start of another great year for us.”

The awards recognise the cream of the British pub industry and reward and celebrate the people, ideas and initiatives which make pub businesses stand out from the crowd.

It’s been a busy start to 2011 for Tim, who has been in London filming his second season on the BBC TV series Great British Menu, which will be broadcast later this year.

In addition, he has been organising a series of special events at his restaurants, including a Caribbean guest chef evening at The Butcher’s Arms on March 21, featuring chef Barrington Douglas of Discovery Bay in Huddersfield.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Orchid charity for male cancers, of which Tim is a passionate supporter.

The winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on April 6.