The Radcliffe has been declared the county’s Pub of the Year by the National Pub & Bar Awards.
The village pub on Shelford Road won the prestigious honour following months of closure due to Covid-19 restrictions on hospitality businesses.
The awards recognise the best pubs and bars across the UK’s 94 counties in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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A mystery judge assessed the pub shortly after it reopened and based their decision on food, drink, knowledge, investment, team, marketing and events.
The 2021 National Pub & Bar Awards combines entries for the 2020 event too, due to the Covid-19 pandemic cancelling last year’s event.
The Radcliffe was revived with a £450,000 makeover in 2019 by David Hage and Mark Osborne of the Secret Pub Company after having been closed for over a year.
David Hage of the Secret Pub Company, who owns The Radcliffe spoke exclusively to Nottinghamshire Live and said: “After such a turbulent 15 months, this award gives a huge boost of positive energy to our team, company and superb loyal customers who have supported us throughout.
“The whole team are over the moon with winning such a prestigious award. It celebrates our great team, consistency and passion for hospitality.”
During the months where the pub was unable to provide indoor dining experiences, they continued on with a takeaway service.
Bar at The Radcliffe
David added: “The takeaways were really well received. Sundays sold out every week. The takeaways won a British Institute of Innkeepers’ award.”
The Secret Pub Company is no stranger to these kinds of accolades after winning Nottinghamshire Pub of the Year with The Railway in Lowdham.
Speaking exclusively to Nottinghamshire Live, Pub & Bar Magazine editor Tristan O’Hana said: “We know the level of delivery from the Secret Pub Company is second to none, and The Radcliffe is no exception.
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“The effort into turning this pub around after nearly two years of closure should be commended, as should the wonderful utilisation of the outside space. As with its sister site, the food and drink range is expertly considered.
“I’ve never been prouder of this industry. 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.”
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The Radcliffe and the other 93 counties’ best pubs will be officially crowed in a ceremony in London 6 September.
At the event they will announce the 15 regional winners, including best pub in East Midlands, as well as the overall National Pub of the Year 2021.
