A village pub in West Oxfordshire has been announced as the winner of a local poll looking for the pub of the year.
County Councillor Liam Walker launched his Pub of the Year competition in November on the hunt for the top boozer in his county council division. With 14 pubs in the running for the award local residents were encouraged to vote for their favourite village pub.
After hundreds of votes were cast the County Councillor announced that The White Hart in Minster Lovell has successfully been crowned Pub of the Year 2021 after winning the most number of votes.
Barbara Burkert, who runs the pub with her husband Richard Burkert, said, "We are delighted to have won this award. We have worked really hard since taking over the pub back in June 2019. Then COVID-19 hit in March 2020 and the uncertainty of our industry was really stressful at times. We however made the most of the lockdowns, using the time to give the pub a much needed make over, and have come back stronger than ever. This award just shows that the hard work has paid off, and we're now a thriving community pub."
Cllr Liam Walker said, "The hospitality sector has been hard hit over the past 18 months due to coronavirus and I wanted to do something that would recognise the importance of our local pubs which are the heart of our communities. I want to thank the hundreds of people who voted and congratulate Richard, Barbara and The White Hart team on this well deserved win. The result of which is testament to their hard work since taking over the pub. I hope people will continue to support their local pub over this merry festive period - I know I will be!"
With Cllr Walker sharing the announcement on his Facebook page people were quick to join in with praise to the award winner. Cody Davies commented, "Well deserved winner - fantastic result. Good work running this Liam after a difficult period for hospitality they all deserve credit" and Steve Dee added, "Well done all involved. The very best welcome and food from some incredible people. A just reward for all the hard work that goes in."