Northumberland’s Feathers Inn is Great British Pub of the Year

The freehold pub, run by Rhian Cradock and Helen Greer, beat 14 other category winners to the top award at the Great British Pub Awards held at London's Park Lane Hilton.

The awards were presented by comedian and Strictly Come Dancing 2011 contestant Rory Bremner.

The Feathers, which also won the Best Gastropub of the Year award, impressed the judges with their excellent food offer, strong community focus, impressive drinks range, exciting range of events and strong business innovation.

Licensee Greer said: "It is just unbelievable. I can't even describe it. Calling it a big shock is an understatement — we are totally overwhelmed. I think it is down to the team we have, most of whom have been here since we took over four years ago.

"We want to make the business better all the time and we are always trying to improve it and make it more exciting. It is also down to my husband who works so hard in the kitchen, but he loves what he does."

The Publican’s Morning Advertiser Editor, The PMA Team, said: "Helen and Rhian are an inspiration to others. The Feathers Inn is a great all rounder and a pub business with the wow factor.”

The 15 national winners of awards including Best Food Pub, Best Community Pub, Best Turnaround Pub and Best Cask Beer Pub were also revealed at last night's awards.

The Old Inn at Holton, Somerset, scooped the award for Best Food Pub. Head chef Ben Abercrombie, PMA Young Pub Chef of the Year in the Great British Pub Food Awards 2009, said: "It is fantastic to receive the award.

"I got so much stick when I started out at 17 with people telling me I would never make it. Through winning Young Pub Chef of the Year in 2009 I got the job at the Old Inn, stripped it all back and now we use all fresh produce. All the hard work has definitely paid off and we have so much support."

The national winners were selected from 94 regional winners selected before the award's night.

The national winners are:​

Best Food Pub​ - the Old Inn, Holton, Somerset

Best Gastropub​ - The Feathers Inn, Hedley-on-the Hill, Northumberland

Best Family Pub​ - The Saddle Inn, Lea, Lancashire

Best Tenanted/Leased Pub​ - The Hare & Hounds, Corsham, Wiltshire

Best Freehouse Pub​ - The Carpenters Arms, Felixkirk, North Yorkshire

Best Community Pub​ - The Five Bells in Colne Engaine, Essex

Best Managed Pub​ -The Joshua Bradley, Gee Cross, Cheshire

Best Smoking Area​ - Ye Olde Whyte Lyon, Locksbottom, Kent

Best Live Music Pub​ - The Brickmakers, Norwich, Norfolk

Best Entertainment Pub​ - Ock 'n' Dough, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire

Best Sports Pub​ - The Globe Inn, Chichester, West Sussex

Best Cellar ​ - The Hut in Uxbridge, Middlesex

Best Cask Beer Pub​ - Old Spot Inn in Dursley, Gloucestershire

Best Newcomer​ - Justin Brown from The Sun inn, in Dummer, Hampshire

Best Turnaround Pub​ - The Half Moon, Putney, London SW15