A pub with a trophy cabinet to rival Manchester United or Liverpool football clubs has scored its greatest ever triumph by being voted the best in the country.
The Swan in Little Totham has been given the National Pub of the Year award by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).
The road to victory began a year ago when the popular watering hole was named best in the Dengie Hundred.
It then became best in Essex and then best in East Anglia - a title which earned landlord John Pascoe and wife, Val, the chance of victory in the countrywide showdown.
The Swan finally saw off competition from establishments in Scotland, Wales and Cheshire to claim the overall crown, impressing judges with a combination of good beer, good atmosphere and a good contribution to village life.
Mr Pascoe said he was delighted to have won, after the pub came third in the same contest last year.
He said: "Today, I am the happiest publican in the industry.
"To be awarded the highest accolade by Camra has been my aim since buying the pub in 1996."
Published Tuesday, February 25, 2003
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