THE CHETNOLE INN, SHERBORNE PICKS UP ANOTHER AWARD AND PUTS DORSET ON THE MAP!
“NATIONAL FREEHOUSE OF THE YEAR 2008”
THE GREAT BRITISH PUB AWARD

The Chetnole Inn, Chetnole has picked up yet another accolade to add to their ever increasing number – last week the winners of the Great British Pub Awards 2008 were revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on London’s Hilton on Park Lane.    Guests were treated to a three course meal and were entertained by TV’s Hugh Dennis of Mock the Week fame.   The awards culminated in The Chetnole Inn, Chetnole picking up the award for the National Freehouse of the Year, beating 6 other regional finalists.      This time, Chetnole, Dorset and the South West as a whole has really been put on the map!
The Great British Pub Awards, recognising the best practice and the best people in the pub trade, are the pre-eminent accolades in the pub industry and put the spotlight on publicans that demonstrate real excellence.   There were a record number of entries this year, and the judges praised Mike and team for recognising the potential of the previously under-exploited Chetnole Inn – their hard work and dedication have been instrumental in transforming the pub.    It took Mike only a year to get the Chetnole Inn listed in the Michelin ‘Eating Out in Pubs’ Guide 2009 (just published), and the 3 B & B bedrooms have been completely refurbished, leading to the pub gaining a 4 star Silver Award from British Tourism and obtaining a listing in the impending Michelin hotel guide.
A recent article in the Sunday Observer listed The Chetnole Inn as THE place to eat in Sherborne, despite it being a short drive out of the town.   The pub is really going from strength to strength, and Mike puts it’s success down to having a fantastic team who deliver great service in a comfortable, rustic environment, offering really great quality (Michelin quality) food that reflects it’s rural Dorset roots.    Duck isn’t on the menu but you may see some waddling around in the pub garden!
The Great British Pub Awards state that “The National Freehouse of the Year Award goes to businesses which are entrepreneurial, individual and vibrant, representing everything that is great about the British Pub”.