A RURAL Herefordshire pub was listed in The Times as one of the 30 best places in Britain to eat, drink and stay.

Staff at The Bridge Inn in Michaelchurch Escley were thrilled to be listed in the national newspaper's good pub guide.

The mention was the icing on the cake for the pub as during the same weekend its Hill Billy Gin was named as Best New Product at the popular Ludlow Food Festival.

Owner and landlord Glyn Bufton said: “To be named as one of the top 30 pubs in Britain is a credit to our staff and regular customers who love the Bridge and help create the welcoming atmosphere most people like to find in a old country pub.

"And to collect a best new product award at the prestigious Ludlow Food Festival is great news. We only found out when Denis Gwatkin, whose apples we use in the gin from the orchards next door, called us to say he had entered our gin and we had picked up an award for it."

Glyn, who has run the pub since 2011, said the gin is made in their "tiny distillery."

But he said operating and keeping open a rural country pub in a location like the Bridge Inn does not get any easier.

The recent changes in business rates has meant an increase of £6,000 for the pub and he said while some other rural businesses receive subsidies to diversify there is no such support of pubs.

The Bull's Head in neighbouring Craswall last opened its doors to the public more than three years ago.

Glyn said: "Part of the problem is people come out in large numbers to ‘support’ a pub once it's closed but it’s the rural pubs which are open that need the support most as once they close the writing is often on the wall.”

He hopes The Times mention and the gin award will bring even more customers to his pub which serves food seven evenings and four lunches a week.

The Times said of the pub: "A small bridge covered by the hanging branches of weeping willows gives this inn its name.

"Make sure to grab a seat outside on warmer days to enjoy the calming sounds of the river below. The menu is simple yet well executed, and features burgers, pies and fish. The inn has yurts and bedrooms for overnight stays."