Mug House Claines, Worcestershire
"Although it is hard work, this place gets hold of you. When I read the comments in the visitors' book, it makes me so proud." So says Judith Allen, explaining why she has been at the Mug House for 16 years and why she has just taken out a 21-year lease with Union Pub Company.
The Grade II-listed pub epitomises what its regulars as well as countless overseas visitors view as a quintessential English village pub with a snug bar, lounge and smoke room capable of holding only around 100 people. It is also thought to be the only pub built on consecrated ground, with the nearby church dating back over 900 years.
The Mug House also remains true to its origins in that wet sales account for 95%, with food only on offer at lunchtimes. "Food in the evening would spoil the pub. It's a meeting place for people," says Judith with conviction. Likewise, there are no games machines, jukebox or pool table to discourage people from talking.
All the food is sourced locally and is typical English fare such as home-boiled ham, eggs from a farm shop, and chips, served without any fancy trimmings.
Apart from maintaining links with local businesses, the Mug House has cemented strong relationships with the local school, church, council and the rugby club Worcester Rugby Club's under-17s squad all of whom use the premises for meetings and social events.
Judith has just recruited a new darts team and has high hopes that it will do better than the previous team, which never won a game for nine years.
Regular events in summer include: visits by Morris men and clog dancers; dog shows; charity auctions; and most popular of all "jazz in the garden", when a local band provides the entertainment.
The local farming community is also catered for by the Mug House playing host to shooting parties and family get-togethers. Such is the affection for the pub among locals that a senior official from the National Farmers' Union is reported as saying: "Take it away and there will be no community." Fittingly, the Mug House came second in last year's rural pub of the year awards scheme run by the NFU.
Judith's pride in the pub is particularly evident in summer and her green fingers have helped the Mug House win the pub category for the "Worcester in bloom" competition for the past four years.
Her devotion to the pub has been repaid by the local community with turnover more than doubling over the past five years.