Cock Inn crowned Adnam's Pub of the Year
The Cock Inn in Clare, Suffolk has been named Adnams Pub of the Year at its inaugural Pub Awards.
The awards were presented at a ceremony at the Swan Hotel in Southwold. Simon and Victoria Eichhorn, licensees at the Cock Inn, only took over in September 2007 and also scooped the award for best food pub.
Simon Eichorn said: "We're elated. This is one of the few industries where if you put in the hard work, and stick to your plan, it can work.
"When we took over the pub it had a really bad reputation, no restaurant and a young crowd. When I think back to New Year's Eve last year, we had two customers here at midnight! But this year, a local band is coming in, and we've sold out already — 60 tickets.
"We pride ourselves on our food, it's organic, free-range and locally-sourced. Not quite gastro-pub, but steering that way."
The most popular dish on the menu is a whole baked camembert with bagel chips. Victoria is the beer expert and the pub always has a wide selection of Adnams ales including seasonal specials.
The judges decided the pub was "the best all round experience for customers".
Rupert Farquharson, director of retail at Adnams, said despite the economic downturn "there are many great pub operators throughout our region who run extremely successful and vibrant businesses".
Other winners included Best Newcomer for the Oyster Inn in Butley, Best Merchandising for the Hospital Arms in Colchester, Best Pub Gardens for The World's End in Mulbarton and Community Pub of the Year for The Cherry Tree in Woodbridge.
