A MOBBERLEY pub has been crowned the best pub in the UK at a national awards ceremony.

The Church Inn, on Church Lane, has won the coveted title from the National Pub and Bar Awards which took place at London’s iconic BAFTA theatre on Tuesday, May 24.

The pub saw off stiff competition from a total of 94 country pub winners from across the UK. After winning the north west award, The Church Inn went on to be awarded the overall UK title from journalist and food critic, Jay Rayner.

Tim Bird, owner of Cheshire Cat Pubs & Bar and operator of The Church Inn, said: “This is fantastic news and great recognition of a real team effort.

“We don't profess to be perfect all the time, but constantly work to please our guests and offer them a great pub experience. With the trophy safely on our mantelpiece, it’s now back to business as usual, serving well and cooking well.”

The pubs were judged by a panel of experts, who visited the 94 pubs on the list, and were marked on a range of criteria from the quality of service to product range, aesthetic design and the hospitality.

“The shortlisted pubs each represent all that is great about the modern British pub,” said Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine. “It’s been an absolute pleasure to visit such a fantastic variety of pubs across the UK during the judging process – but there can be only one winner and The Church Inn is a very worthy recipient as it offers an exceptional drinking and dining experience. Well done to all involved.”

The Church Inn is owned and operated by Cheshire Cats Pubs & Bars, which has a collection of award winning pubs across Cheshire, Staffordshire and Dorset.

Earlier this year the group was voted the best drinks act in the UK at the prestigious Publican Awards ceremony in London.

For further information on Cheshire Cat Pubs and its collection of pubs, visit cheshirecatpubsandbars.co.uk