It's cheers all round today at a village pub in Nottinghamshire after it was crowned the best in the East Midlands. The National Pub & Bar Awards 2022 named The Radcliffe as the number one spot for a pint and some cracking food.
The pub, in Radcliffe-on-Trent, had previously won the title of the best in the county as part of the UK-wide competition. It batted off strong competition from the Cock Inn, Mugginton, Derbyshire; Knight and Garter in Leicester, the Red Lion, Cranford, Northamptonshire and the Olive Branch in Rutland to scoop top honours.
It was one of 15 pubs to be named as the best in its region, as 94 county-winning venues gathered in London for the awards ceremony. The pub's finest attributes include real ales, a gastro-style menu and a huge beer garden at the rear, where it will be holding a summer garden party on July 23.
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Judges said: "Its menu and drive to exceed expectations sees it build a rapport with visitors, who often become regulars." Fresh, seasonal food is served from an open kitchen, where diners can see chefs working at the pass.
There's always something different to try on the ever-changing menu. Roast sea trout with lemon beurre blanc and a Jersey Royal Nicoise salad and chicken with celeriac purée and sweetcorn salsa are two of the summery dishes that can be found alongside old favourites, the Radcliffe burger, fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding.
General manager Zannah Sharpley said they're blown away by the award. "We were going in there with no expectations and if anything happened it was a bonus. I think we were the loudest in there when it was announced. It was astonishing. We are super proud."
So is it the quality of beer, the delicious food or the efficient, friendly service that makes it a winner? Zannah said: "The whole team has a genuine passion for hospitality and I think that comes through. We have a great setting but it's the personality within the pub. It makes it a super special place.
"We are a group of people just obsessive about our industry. It goes to show hard work does truly pay off."
The award could result in an influx of new customers for the 20-strong team just like it did when the pub was revealed as the best in Nottinghamshire in the first round of the competition in April.
"We noticed about a 20 per cent increase in trade in four weeks following the award. We really did see an uplift in people coming to see us. It's great that it does open doors for new faces to come and enjoy it. We are hoping that is something that happens this time," said Zannah.
Once a rundown local, the pub in Shelford Road, has become a destination for food and drink lovers, who have described the pub as stunning, faultless and friendly, with impressive food and real ales. Customers are also over the moon about the win. One said: "Oh wow, Congratulations on your award. My favourite place to eat! So well deserved." Another fan said: "So pleased for all of you. Very much deserved. We love The Radcliffe!"
A £450,000 makeover transformed the pub and its fortunes three years ago after it was taken over by the Secret Pub Company's Mark Osborne and David Hage, who also operate The Railway in Lowdham and The Plough at Normanton-on-the Wolds. When they stepped in the pub, previously called the New Trent, had been closed for more than a year.
Mark said: "It's a great result. I think it's down to consistency and the passion of all the staff. We have never rested on our laurels. We listen to the customers and have adapted but it's not change for change's sake.
"We have not put up our prices massively and the quality has always been there. We have kept the same team and I think that is important."
It's not the first time the Secret Pub Company has scooped the prestigious regional title. In 2018 the honours went to The Railway.
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