The Telegraph recruits readers to help choose inaugural Telegraph Pub of the Year

The Fleece Inn, owned by The National Trust,  is named The Telegraph’s Pub of the Year 2019

The Telegraph’s “Saturday” supplement, in collaboration with Sawday’s travel guides, has today (May 25) revealed the results of the inaugural Telegraph Pub Of The Year award, a new category in Alastair Sawday’s annual guide to the very best pubs in Britain.

The winner and two runners up were chosen by several members of the Telegraph food team, who sifted through over 1000 reader recommendations, before visiting the pubs with the most votes and the most heartfelt endorsements.

The Telegraph Pub of the Year has been named as The Fleece Inn, near Evesham in Worcestershire. Owned by The National Trust, the pub was selected for its rich history, it’s strong sense of community, it’s delicious food, and its welcoming landlord, Nigel Lewis. Joint runners up were The Ring of Bells in Cheriton Fitzpaine, Devon, and The Compasses Inn near Canterbury in Kent. The Telegraph pubs are featured in the new edition of the Sawday’s Great British Pub Guide, published on June 3.

 Paul Davies, Editor of the Telegraph’s “Saturday” supplement, said:

“For years, the Telegraph’s ‘Saturday’ section has championed Britain’s best pubs and we are delighted to be a part of Sawday’s annual guide, which reveals that the British pub, despite reports of its demise, is very much alive and well. The Fleece has all the elements that make the ideal pub – good food, good beer, atmosphere, charm, history, community, roaring fires and, in Tafarn the Welsh Terrier, the most perfect pub dog.”

Nigel Lewis, Landlord of The Fleece Inn said:

“It’s all about the community around us. We help to support our local church, school, and the village band – we’re always putting on live music and other events to bring everyone together. I want to thank everyone who supports us in return, and who has made it possible for us to win such a fantastic award.”