The pub, which has just celebrated its first ‘birthday’ after a refurbishment by owners Brakspear, now goes through to the competition’s Grand Finals, and could be named as a regional winner, or even Best Pub in the UK, at a glitzy ceremony held on 23rd May at the BAFTA theatre in London.

The George Townhouse is a Grade II listed building on Shipston’s High Street with an elegant yet casual feel that blends contemporary, quirky features with its Georgian heritage. The pub offers a number of spaces for drinking and dining from the large, open bar with a wide range of cask ales, wines and speciality gin list, to the 40-cover Pantry restaurant, the Carriage Room for private dining and the Garden Room overlooking the decked patio area. Overnight guests enjoy boutique hotel style accommodation in its 15 en-suite bedrooms.

Reaching the Grand Final was no mean feat. More than 500 pubs across the UK entered the competition and the George Townhouse is one of only 94 county winners. The pub was judged on everything from interior design to outside space, customer service, menus and drinks lists.

The George Townhouse’s general manager, Pete Nicholas, said “We are thrilled to be named as the best pub in Warwickshire. We’ve worked hard to make the George the ‘go to’ pub locally, whether you want a quick drink or a leisurely meal, as well as giving overnight guests a memorable stay in our beautiful rooms.

“It’s great to have that effort rewarded and we’re now looking forward to next month when we could be named as the best pub in the whole region, or even the UK. We’ve got everything crossed!”

Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which runs the National Pub & Bar Awards, added: “This is an industry that never stands still – the operators of the best pubs have to be at the top of their game 100% of the time.

“Our County Winners are shining examples of that energy and creativity. They are what makes the pubs and bars of the UK so renowned. The team at the George Townhouse are to be congratulated on reaching our Grand Final.”

The George offers a number of regular food and drink promotions to customers, including ‘Rack Attack’, a rack of pork with all the extras on Monday evenings; Burger Club every Wednesday night; 2 for 1 on cocktails on Thursday evenings and ‘Bubbles and Boards’ as the perfect weekend opener on Fridays.

The Best Pub in Warwickshire follows hot on the heels of another industry accolade for the George Townhouse. Shortlisted earlier this year in the Publican Awards, specifically for its accommodation, the pub’s elegant and super-comfortable rooms with roll-top baths, Egyptian cotton linens and added touches including Nespresso coffee machines and home-baked cookies, secured it a place in the finals.