It won the award because the pub, which has been run by the same family since 1932, is considered genuinely unspoilt and unchanging.
The charming 17th century pub is run by two dedicated landladies and sisters, Denise and Claire McCutcheon, who were born there too.
The pub bar with it’s inglenook fireplace and photograph covered walls dates back to Tudor days, and it’s informal garden is great for families – and there’s even an outside toilet next to brick stables across the lane.
Claire said: “It’s amazing. It is great to be recognised for something where we do more by doing less. When we won this award in 2008 we met the Queen alongside 300 others including celebrities such as Gordon Ramsey and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall”.
Tucked below steep-sided wooded hills known as The Hangers, it offers a range of ales, and traditional food such as pea soup and treacle tart - all homemade on solid fuel Rayburn cookers with not a microwave in sight. On the tables outside customers can buy cooking apples and flowers, with the proceeds going to charities.
On Friday, September 29, the pub is hosting a ‘world’s biggest coffee morning’ event to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Claire said: “Last time we raised £1,900 towards the charity which was great.”
But a word of warning though, should you be thinking of visiting the pub – ensure you take cash, as there isn’t any credit card facilities.