Ann and Franco Taruschio OBE were the co-founders of The Walnut Tree Inn Abergavenny turning the pub into a well loved and respected food establishment. Franco the chef and Ann front of house both assisted by very loyal staff. After 38 years running the restaurant they retired and now Franco occasionally teaches in Italy and has worked in the UK on various projects including a Links into Languages project teaching year 9 students cooking through the medium of Italian. The students eventually won the European Initiative Award and the Mary Glasgow award. Franco was awarded an honorary OBE in 2003 in recognition of his services to the culinary industry and to the community in Monmouthshire. The Walnut Tree was the first Gastro Pub in the UK. Together they have written 5 cookery books.