A PUB near Tidworth has received a prestigious National Pub and Bar Award.

The Hatchet Inn, in Lower Chute, is run by Jerry and his wife Milly, who said they were "over the moon" with the award.

Following 18 months of closures and restraints, and to coincide with Covid-19 restrictions being eased, a total of 94 pubs and bars will now be hoping to attract some new customers after receiving the award.

As the summer holidays and staycations begin, friends and families can now discover which locals have been selected as the best in every area of the country.

The National Pub & Bar Awards aims to put the finest on-trade businesses across the UK in the national spotlight, showcasing just how diverse and creative the hospitality industry really is, as well as how these inspirational operations have survived the pandemic.

From the Highlands to Hampshire, the announcement of this year’s 94 county champions, listed below, shows the level of quality being delivered to pub and bar visitors every day of the week.

Jerry added: "I am delighted to win this award, all my staff put a great deal of effort which is truly appreciated.

"In my 45 years of being a landlord the industry has changed many pubs have closed, we have a fabulous clientele  that have supported us through the difficult time of COVID. To all of them I thank."

The pubs, which have been selected on overall best practice across a number of operational categories, will be officially crowned at a red carpet celebration at 30 Euston Square on Monday September 6.

At the grand final, 15 Regional Winners will also be announced, as well as the esteemed accolade – the overall National Pub & Bar of the Year.

“I’ve never been prouder of this industry,” says Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which hosts the event. “The entries for this year’s awards demonstrated the undeniable value that communities place on their beloved pubs and bars.

"To be able to acknowledge the hard work and diligence of venues across 94 UK counties is an absolute privilege. These outstanding venues deserve this recognition now more than ever.”

Get more Salisbury news. 

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.