by Lucy Britner
The trio behind a Michelin-starred pub have won a top accolade for their second venue in the new edition of the AA Pub Guide. The Red Lion Inn at Stathern, Leicestershire has been named England's Pub of the Year by the AA Pub of the Year Awards scheme. The pub opened in August 2002 as part of the Rutland Inn Company, founded by Ben Jones, Marcus Welford and Sean Hope in 1999.
The judges pointed to the 'sheer quality of produce used at the Red Lion, especially from local suppliers. 'This is a pub with traditional values and a warm, friendly atmosphere somewhere you wish was your local, the judges reported.
Jones put the success down to teamwork: 'We have a really good team who have been here since we opened. They know the customers, they know the food and they know the area.
He also praised the vast array of local produce available in the Vale of Belvoir. Popular dishes include half a Melton Mowbray pork pie served with home made piccalilli and salad (£4.50), local goats cheese delivered weekly from Skylark Hill, and Lincolnshire sausages made by the local butcher. On winning the award, Jones said: 'It's a very big recognition for everyone who's been there since the start.
The Rutland Inn Company's other venture, the Olive Branch in Clipsham, Rutland, is one of only six pubs in England to be awarded a Michelin Star, and the Red Lion already has a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
The trio have just purchased a house opposite the Olive Branch, which will eventually become a countryside hotel. It is expected to open in April next year.
The AA Pub Guide 2006 goes on sale today, priced £14.99.