Pubs in Checkendon, Aldbury and Prestwood voted the best in the Chilterns
The Highwayman Inn, a 16th century pub in Checkendon, has been voted the best pub in the Chilterns in a poll of walkers and cyclists conducted by the Chiltern Society.
Twenty eight pubs were nominated by nearly 250 walkers and cyclists but the Highwayman, on the Berkshire/Oxfordshire border, was voted number one.
The pub has been presented with a trophy by the Chiltern Society to stand on the mantel piece by the bar.
Landlord Paul Burrows said “The best thing about an award like this is that has been given by local people who know and care about good food. It was amazing just to reach the final, but to win it is even better!”
The annual competition is divided into three regions and as well as being the overall winner, the Highwayman won the South Chilterns region. The Central Chilterns winner was the Polecat in Prestwood and the North Chilterns winner the Valiant Trooper in Albury.
The Red Lion in Dagnall, near Berkhamsted was awarded a highly commended certificate because in the judges opinion “the proprietors have worked wonders in turning around a struggling village pub.”
The Society’s head of marketing and membership, Vicky Blane said: “Our annual food and drink award is a great opportunity for us to promote local Chilterns businesses and shout about some of the wonderful things that are happening in our little rural corners. The Highwayman hit every single criteria put forward by our voters, and it really is rather special.”