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This country pub in Lancashire has just been named the best in the UK

The Cartford Inn saw off competition from right across the UK for the coveted award.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 8th September 2020
The Cartford Inn

A pub nestled in the Lancashire countryside has been crowned the best in the UK in the Daily Telegraph’s Pub of the Year 2020 awards.

The Cartford Inn – situated in the village of Little Eccleston, which is about halfway between Preston and Blackpool – took home the coveted Pub of the Year 2020 award from the Daily Telegraph after seeing off competition from right across the UK and being particularly praised for its “skilful food” and “homely interiors”.

The awards – which are put together by the publication’s editorial staff and Sawday’s – sees readers nominate pubs from across the country for a panel of judges to then make a final decision.

The Cartford Inn is lovingly-ran by Patrick and Julie Beaume.

It boasts accommodation and an award-winning food offering from a kitchen headed up by former chef at the Michelin star fine dining restaurant The Fat Duck. Starters in the pub range from £6.95 – £9.25, with mains sitting between £14 – £28, and rooms are priced from £80 per night.

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The Cartford Inn

The description of the winning pub by the Daily Telegraph judges said: “When the current owners took over in 2007, it had been in a sorry state for some time (a landlady from the 1960s was known as “Dirty Annie”). But for the past 13 years Patrick and Julie Beaume (“she’s the Bowie fan,” says Patrick) have turned the place around with a restoration that’s brimming with personality.

“Inside, it is homely and colourful, rustic upcycled furniture jostling for space with vibrant local art (and more Bowie portraits).

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“Not only is the Cartford a multi-award-winning dining pub, it’s a thriving local’s local, too – and what lucky locals they are. Head chef Chris Bury cut his teeth at The Fat Duck, so there’s some seriously skilful cookery on show, and a commitment to local ingredients.”

In response to being crowned the title, The Cartford Inn wrote on its official social media platforms: “To say we’re blown away at being Telegraph Pub of the year is an understatement!

“Thank you Sawdays for your constant inspiration.

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“This is a big celebration for all our wonderful staff and loyal customers”.

The Cartford Inn also hit headlines back in June with its greenhouse-style dining pods – which take inspiration from similar offerings in Amsterdam – and has been praised for it’s adapting to social distancing measures amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

You can find more information and booking details for The Cartford Inn via its website here.