The Gun Inn crowned Great British Pub of the Year

Owned by Sally Harris, a former art teacher turned licensee, took the top prize after putting her own flair on the 17^th century pub, which was named Marston's Pub of the Year before going on to take home the overall title.

Harris and her team have given this pub a quirky modern twist without compromising its historic character.

It has her own unique touches to the decor, extending to the picturesque garden, while staff are encouraged to bring their ideas to a busy events calendar that includes themed food nights, the pub’s own music festival and fancy dress contests for dogs.

When asked how it felt to be crowned champion of champions, Harris said: "A little bit sick. It's amazing. This is not the face of someone who expected to win."

Long-standing awards

There were 16 categories including Best Pub Garden which went to the Tamworth Tap in Staffordshire, Best Pub for Families which went to Ye Olde Bridge Inn in Oxton, Nottinghamshire, and Best Pub for Dogs, which went to the Bellflower in Garstang, Preston, Lancashire.

After a summer of sporting action, Best Pub to Watch Sport went to the Famous Three Kings in Fulham, west London, and Best Sustainable Pub, which went to The Riverside at Aymestrey in Herefordshire.

The Great British Pub Awards have been running for more than two decades and is the pub sector’s leading awards, giving recognition to the best pubs in the country across a range of categories reflecting how the public use the pub, from family outings, sporting events through to celebratory meals. These awards aim to put a spotlight on British pubs, helping drive more footfall and, importantly, highlighting the jobs and safe spaces created in communities.

Hearts of communities

Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser, which runs the awards, said: “This isn’t about Michelin stars or spit and sawdust boozers, these awards recognise vibrant, superb businesses from every spectrum of the sector that form the heart of the communities they serve.

“We aim to shine a spotlight on how much pubs do for the local areas and how many of us had our first job in a pub where we learnt key skills? These venues also provide a spot for otherwise lonely people to have company and how many grassroots sports teams are supported and hosted at their local?

“Pubs have not had an easy time of it in the past couple of years and that certainly shows no sign of getting easier anytime soon either but, despite this, we still see superb businesses that do so much for so many and are a beacon of hospitality and inclusivity in these uncertain times.”

Bedington highlighted what impressed the judges about the Gun Inn, leading it to be named the best pub in the country.

He said: “Sally’s approach to creating a modern, lively and imaginative community pub has really set herself apart and it’s fantastic to see some fresh and quirky ideas coming into the trade. This competition is especially tough with superb operators from across the UK fighting it out for the top spot. Sally has done a brilliant job in a relatively short time, and she and her team should be delighted with the success.

“These awards recognise the best in the trade and give the owners and their teams the chance to celebrate despite the uncertain times we currently face.

“Pubs really are such an important part of our modern society, communities and heritage and it is wonderful to see the continued innovation, success and diversity that we have in the trade. Long may that continue.”