A WELFORD pub has been named Warwickshire’s Dining Pub of the Year for the fifth year in a row.

The Bell, a family-owned and operated 17th Century inn near Alcester, has picked up the prestigious title once again from The Good Pub Guide, Britain’s bestselling travel guide for more than three decades.

Priding themselves on quality service, locally sourced ingredients and regional beer and cider, The Bell owners, Colin and Teresa Ombler, have been welcoming customers for more than 23 years, driven by their dedication to great food.

And, in addition to owning Warwickshire’s dining pub of the year 2019, Colin and Teresa have also been named The Good Pub Guide’s Licensees of the Year, awarded for outstanding care, hard-work and the welcoming personalities of landlords and landladies.

Speaking of the awards, Colin said: “To be named Dining Pub of the Year is a fantastic achievement in itself, but to have now won the award five years in a row, from such a hugely-respected organisation, is phenomenal, and we couldn’t be prouder.

"Thank you to our wonderful customers and our fantastic team of dedicated and hardworking individuals.”

He added: “We adore our local regulars and love nothing more than welcoming new faces, so we’re really looking forward to people coming to see what we are all about, trying the food and even learning about our very own little piece of Shakespeare history.”