A HEREFORDSHIRE pub has been declared the county winner in the National Pub and Bar Awards 2021.

The Riverside Inn, Aymestrey is one of 94 county champions from across the country.

They will be officially crowned at a red carpet celebration in Euston Square, London, 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.

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Andy Link, chef/patron at The Riverside Inn said: “This award is a real boost after all the difficulties surrounding the pandemic.

"We are all working very hard to manage safety issues for staff and customers, as well as producing high quality food.

"A win like this is a huge morale boost. I’d like to say thank you from me, and our team here at The Riverside, to our loyal customers, thanks to whom we are still in business.”

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'.

“I’ve never been prouder of this industry,” said 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.”