Thatched pub is best in Britain
ATRADITIONAL Devon thatched inn has beaten 1,000 others to win the Oscar of the pub world and been named the Best Pub in Britain 2019.
In the glittering Great British Pub awards ceremony at The Royal Lancaster hotel in London The Cott Inn at Dartington won Greene King Pub of the Year before then also picking up the overall title ‘Best Pub in Britain’
pictured, is run by husband and wife team Mark Annear and Mel Hard, who are from Dartington.
They have spent the last nine years transforming their local into the best pub in the country.
Judges said the historic pub, which has been run as a hostelry since 1320 – impressed them with its blend of the ancient and the modern.
They said it was an impressive operation offering everything from great food and drinks, to fantastic accommodation in a beautiful setting.
After winning the competition held by the industry’s trade magazine, The Morning Advertiser, Mark thanked the pub team and said: “Fondly nicknamed the ‘Oscars of the pub industry’ with the awards seen as the ‘Ones to win’ attracting hundreds of entries each year - these are the pub awards for the people.
“The Great British Pub Awards are the stand out event for pub operators throughout the country.”
Set just outside Totnes but easy to reach from the busy A38, The Cott has people ‘flocking from far and wide’ for its great food and regular music nights.
But Mark said it is also a ‘proper pub’ which is an important part of the community with its warm and welcoming countryside atmosphere for regulars and dog owners.
Ed Bedington, the editor of The Morning Advertiser said: “The Cott Inn is a superb business run out of stunning premises in a picturesque location.
“But it hasn’t just relied on good looks. This is a slick, professional and well-run modern pub operation and one that has people flocking from far and wide.”
The Cott has already been listed in The Times’ 20 best pubs with rooms and named one of Britain’s 30 best pubs in The Telegraph.