A Devon pub has been named among the best in South West England as part of the National Pub & Bar Awards 2023.

The Masons Arms in Branscombe has been included among the seven establishments recognised in the South West regional section.

A total of 94 venues have been recognised in the annual event as the best in their respective counties.

The awards aim to highlight the positive and inspiring work being carried out across the UK’s hospitality industry.

Devon pub named among best in South West

On The Masons Arms website, it says: "The 14th-century Masons Arms nestles in the heart of Branscombe, one of Britain’s most picturesque villages.

"Stepping beneath the charming thatched roof, you’ll be greeted by characterful fittings including timber frames, low beamed ceilings, pine cladding, whitewashed walls, and a roaring log fire."

The pub prides itself on its contemporary menu which offers "award-winning beers, fine wines, and barista coffee".

Their range of ales and beers can be found on their website here.

Additionally, the establishment has a dog-friendly section of the pub, so your four-legged friends can join you too.

South West County Winners at the National Pub & Bar Awards 2023

  • Bell & Crown, Wiltshire
  • The Crown at Ampney Brook, Gloucestershire
  • The Driftwood Spars, Cornwall
  • The Langton Arms, Dorset
  • The Lost & Found, Bristol
  • The Masons Arms, Devon
  • The Swan Wedmore, Somerset

You can see the full list of County Winners via the National Pub & Bar Awards website.

How do the awards work?

Entries for the awards have been open since the start of the year, with hundreds of venues outlining the details of their operation, summarising the work that goes into design, training, team welfare, sustainability, food, drink, marketing and many other areas. 

At the award ceremony in June, official regional winners will be crowned as well as an overall winner.

Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which runs the awards, said: “We were overwhelmed by the level and quality of entries this year.

“It just goes to show what magnificent work is going on across the UK hospitality sector. With outrageous energy costs, recruitment shortages and a punishing taxation system, these businesses are once again facing tough times.

"Now, more than ever, it’s vital that people support their local pubs and bars. So, ahead of the long Easter weekend, why not check out the finest in your county?”