Village pub wins 'rural Oscars' national award

Mr Prettejohn puts the win down the community spirit in his pub

A proud community pub in the Blackdown Hills has bagged a national award at an event dubbed "the Rural Oscars".

The York Inn in Churchinford walked away from the House Of Lords ceremony as the best pub in the country.

The trophy was dished out by the Countryside Alliance, which said the landlord works to "ensure it remains a pillar of support and community in Churchinford and beyond".

Landlord Dan Prettejohn said it was "amazing" to win the award, but admitted the ceremony was "out of his comfort zone".

The York Inn has been named the best pub in the country

Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset, Mr Prettejohn said the recognition was for his staff and the community, more than for him.

Mr Prettejohn said attending the London ceremony was "probably the only time I've left the village in the last six years".

"It was humbling," he added.

Talking about what he is most proud of at his pub, he said it simply "keeping the doors open".

"Previous to me being here, there was a stage where the pub was closed for a period of time, and at the same time, the village shop was shut, and that had a massive impact on not just this village but the villages around."

He added that he felt a duty to "maintain, encourage and support every group in the surrounding villages on the Blackdowns".

Mr Prettejohn also said on occasions he finds himself fully booked, he sends people on to the next pub, in an effort to keep them "up in the hills".

As well as the community, the pub also prides itself on food and drink, with the landlord saying it offers, "honest, home cooked food" for punters.

Gemma and Bill say the pubs success is down to its "community"

Staff member Gemma said she was "really proud" of the pub and its community events, which include craft clubs and skittles nights.

"It's not just about coming in for a bit of food - there's a really good atmosphere".

Bill, a daytime regular at the bar, agreed with the sentiment, telling BBC Radio Somerset: "I come for the social life... there's a good crowd down here.

"It's the community that comes in here. Every different part of society... they all just chat away."