IT IS regarded as the stamp of culinary quality, revered by restaurateurs from Gordon Ramsey to Marco Pierre White.

Now a Poole pub - resurrected from rundown premises in a station car park - has been recognised by Michelin for its outstanding food.

The Cow, on Station Road in Ashley Cross, is a new entry in the 2009 edition of the prestigious Michelin Eating Out in Pubs guide.

It is the only pub in south east Dorset to make the list and marks a remarkable renaissance from the crumbling building inherited by owner David Sax.

"I bought a very rundown old boozer that was as bad as you can imagine," said Mr Sax.

"We have worked very hard since we opened and take our food offerings very seriously.

"Michelin is the guide to be recognised in, so this is fantastic."

The crumbling Parkstone Hotel, which dates back to 1855, was renovated and re-opened as a gastropub in 2003.

In the new Michelin guide, The Cow is lauded for its "relaxed atmosphere" and "appealing" décor.

"Whatever you choose, you can be rest assured it will be expertly prepared and well presented," reads the entry.

Dishes singled out include the roast quail starter with truffled potatoes and the salmon fillet with porridge oats.

"We plan the menus and changes seasonally with the chefs," said Mr Sax.

"On Tuesday, you couldn't get a table in the bistro and in hard times, that says a lot."

The Michelin recognition follows The Cow's 2007 award for national freehouse and pub of the year from trade magazine the Morning Advertiser.

Other new Dorset entries in the 2009 guide are The Chetnole Inn, Chetnole, and The Talbot at Iwerne Minster.