Feather’s Inn crowned Marston’s Pub of the Year

11-Jun-2014 - Last updated on 20-Jun-2014 at 08:26 GMT

Licensees Tracy and Mike Kingston of The Feather's Inn in Lichfield receive their accolade from Peter Dalzell, MD of Marston’s Inns and Taverns (right)

A Staffordshire pub recognised for its close community ties has been awarded Pub of the Year by Marston’s.

The Feather’s Inn, in Lichfield, won Marston’s Pub of the Year at a gala evening in Birmingham’s Hotel du Vin last week. Licensees Mike and Tracy Kingston had already scooped the operator’s Community Pub of the Year award earlier in the evening.

The pub was competing against 500 or so other Marston’s Inns & Taverns outlets throughout England and Wales.

Mike Kingston said he was “absolutely over the moon” with the award.

He said: “We’re delighted, it’s fantastic and I’d like to give a huge thank you to everyone who’s worked with us over the past five years – and to everyone who’s been involved in supporting us and understanding what we’ve been doing here.

“Onwards and upwards!”

Warm welcome

Peter Dalzell, managing director of Marston’s Inns & Taverns, said the Feather’s Inn is a “perfect example” of a community pub.

He explained: “Everybody is sure of a warm welcome. They’re at the heart of their community, they do a lot of work for charity, and there is always something going on thanks to Mike and Tracy’s endless energy and enthusiasm for their business.”

Dalzell added: “This is the eighth year that Marston’s have run their Pub of the Year awards, and this year the field of entries was stronger than ever.

“It’s a testament to all the hard work and imagination our licensees put into their work that so many pubs offer such a high standard to so many customers.”

Other award winners