The Eagle and Child in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester, has been named the country's best pub in the Great British Pub Awards. The Thwaites pub took the top accolade in the annual awards run by The Morning Advertiser newspaper.
Tenant Glen Duckett and his team had entered Partnership of the Year for the improvements made at the pub in conjunction with Thwaites. Duckett said, 'I'm totally overwhelmed. To win Best Partnership Pub and then Best Pub overall is just amazing. It caught me by surprise, we really weren't expecting it.'
The pub with rooms has been transformed since Duckett took over around six years ago. He is well known for the work he does to help young, disadvantaged people into training and work.
Since taking up the helm, he has won a series of awards for not only his approach to training but also for the food. The kitchen is headed up by Alex Shaw, who arrived last year from Didsbury’s highly rated Volta.
The Eagle and Child is also a finalist in Lancashire Life Food and Drink Awards, which take place next month.
Thwaites Director of Pubs and Brewing, Andrew Buchanan, said, 'Glen and his team have done a fantastic job with The Eagle and Child and the pub keeps on going from strength to strength. It really has found its place in the heart of the community which is why it is so popular.'
Earlier this year, the pub reopened following a top to bottom refurbishment and now includes guest rooms and a brand new orangery featuring floor-to-ceiling windows bringing diners mouthwatering views spanning the Irwell Valley.
