Brighton's Engineer named Racing Pub of the Year

The Engineer in Brighton has beaten off fierce competition to be named the official 'Racing Pub of the Year 2007'.

Licensees Phil and Bev Reeves reached the finishing post ahead of hundreds of rival pubs across the UK and Ireland, after customers backed them for the award.

Sponsored by Ladbrokes, the awards were launched this year by Racing UK, the Racing Post and The Publican - and entries came from as far afield as the Scottish highlands and all over the Emerald Isle.

The panel of industry experts who picked out the pub were wowed by The Engineer's dedication to racing. Catharine Hopkinson, Ladbrokes spokeswoman said: "The atmosphere and treats for the customers like days out to the races and a multitude of race events helped the Engineer stand out above tough competition to deserve this title."

"Everyone at the pub is elated to receive recognition for our passion for horseracing," said Phil.

The licensees prize is a 50 inch plasma screen - and a day out to the races with 12 regulars.

Other shortlisted pubs were: the Horseshoe (Scotland); the Juntion (Ireland); the Commercial Inn (Wales); Lord Coyners (North England); the Jockey (East Anglia and Midlands); the Engineer (South England).