TWO Worcestershire pubs have scooped gold awards at this year’s Marston’s Pub Company Pub of the Year awards.

Barr and Jane Pritchard, licensees of the Red Hart, Worcester, were winners of the prestigious pub of the year award and Caroline Cassell, licensee of the Crown Inn, Martley, picked up the community pub of the year award at the ceremony held at the Belfry, near Birmingham The finalists of the pub of the year award were picked as exceptional operators in the search for the top business within the Marston’s estate of more than 2,000 pubs.

The Red Hart pipped its competitors to the gold through its exceptional food and drink offering as well as the warm friendly ambience and service customers have come to expect.

Mr Pritchard said: “We were absolutely delighted when they called out our names. We have dedicated ourselves to making our pub business the perfect venue for customers to eat, drink, socialise and relax. We never rest on our laurels though and always look for new ways to improve.

“To be chosen as pub of the year is such a huge compliment from Marston’s. We had a really special evening, topped off by winning the award, it really means a lot.”

The Crown Inn was chosen by judges because of the difference Mrs Cassell has made through innovative fund-raising and interaction with her local community. She was praised for the sheer amount of community giving schemes sponsored and run through the pub.

She explained: “Since I first moved to the area I have done my utmost to make sure the whole village benefits from the pub, including sponsoring local youth sports teams and creating an art gallery inside the pub. I feel very honoured to have received this award and am delighted that the hard work of my team has been recognised outside the village as well as within.

“The awards evening was very elegant and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”

The evening was hosted by Yorkshire cricketer Matthew Hoggard and Radio One’s Mark Chapman, who added some humour and prestige to the ceremony.