Pub owners clink their glasses as they celebrate their success
Chris and Liz Shore from The Wortwell Bell have created a community cafe and shop insde the pub.PHOTO: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
Four South Norfolk pubs are clinking their glasses as they celebrate winning their categories in the Norfolk Council Pub of the Year competition.
The Burston Crown is South Norfolk's community pub of the year. Owners Steve and Bev Kembery,Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2016 - Credit: Sonya Duncan
This is the ninth year of the contest and this year competition rules were changed to support village pubs who are up against pubs with a larger customer base.
Winners of Category One with a local population of under 550 was the Wortwell Bell in Harleston.
Landlord Chris Shore who runs the pub with his wife Liz said:
'This year they changed the categories and it has helped smaller village pubs like us to compete against pubs with a bigger customer base.
Wymondham Green Dragon beer festival. Photo : Steve Adams - Credit: Steve Adams
'We are really happy because we have tried to make the pub a traditional pub that serves food and is a sociable hub for the village.'
Winner of Category Two was The Burston Crown with a local population of between 551 and 1110.
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Bev Kembery who runs the pub with husband and chef Steve Kembery said their pub was the heart and soul of Burston and their win was down to their 'lovely'customers.
'We try to involve the whole community across the age ranges in events that we hold at the pub.
'We hold over a 100 free musical events as well as an artfest where plays are performed in the pub,' she said.
Netherton House in Long Stratton won Category Three with a local population of between 1101 and 5500.
Its owner Craig Grant with his business partner Kevin Reynolds said: 'Honestly it's quite overwhelming – we've only been opened a year and a half.
'To achieve that has been absolutely fantastic. We have a fantastic customer base.
It's a lovely feeling – we feel very proud.'
The Green Dragon in Wymondham was the winner of Category Four with a local population over 5501. The overall winner of the title South Norfolk Pub of the Year will be announced at an award ceremony on Monday October 9.
South Norfolk Council's deputy leader, Michael Edney said. ' … Pubs play a hugely important role in our communities and it's right that we take this opportunity to thank them for their hard work.'
