AFTER your votes flooded in, we can announce that The Bedwardine has been crowned the Worcester News Pub of the Year for the second year running.

Landlord Sebastian O’Donnell said he was "gobsmacked" and "buzzing" to hear the news readers had once again chosen the popular watering hole for the prize.

Mr O’Donnell moved with his family to the Bromyard Road-based pub after running the popular but now demolished Coppertops in Dines Green, and since taking it over it has gone from strength-to-strength.

“I am totally gobsmacked by the continued loyal support we have here at The Bedwardine,” the landlord said.

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“Thank you to my incredible wife and family for there support, it wouldn’t be possible without the love of a great wife.

“My team are just simply the best - LauLau, Wayne, Vikki,Cameron, Laura and Lynne.

"I'm ecstatic that we have won again.

“Merry Christmas to all our loyal friends and customers and a very happy new year.”

Support for the St John’s establishment shone through as it received praise on the nominations slips that flooded into the Worcester News office.

Readers praise included that the pub’s staff were friendly, there was a good atmosphere, and pub goers enjoying playing skittles there.

“Open fire, very welcoming,” said one its voters, while another added: "Best pub in St John's, excellent pint and cracking staff".

In second place was another St John’s pub, the Bell Inn.

Its voters praised if for “good beer and staff”, and another wrote “my local for many years - a proper pub”.

And in third place was The Alma Tavern. Voters for the Droitwich Road watering hole said “their team is wonderful, nothing is too much trouble.”

As it has been named the competition winner The Bedwardine, known by many affectionately as 'The Beddy', will now receive a trophy in the new year, and the landlord receives an invite to the Houses of Parliament by the city’s MP, Robin Walker.

Michael Purton, Worcester News editor, said: “The competition has once again proved a massive success with readers making the effort to back their favourite pub.

“Congratulations to everyone at the Bedwardine and the runners up too.”