Pub Awards: Best Family finalist - The Wrygarth Inn, Great Hatfield, East Yorkshire

With holidaymakers a big part of the pub’s summer trade – representing around 70% of its custom – it’s vital that the Wrygarth appeals to families. And appeal it does, with a range of play equipment and a crazy golf course the pub is a sure-fire hit with both visiting tourists and local family groups.

Innovative use of some dead space within the pub has also allowed licensees Ray and Sandra Thompson to create a contained indoor play area so parents can relax while their children play. This, coupled with a secret table football game, a pool table and a dartboard, means that even during those rainy days the pub has plenty to offer children of all ages.

Film nights

When the nights draw in, Ray is aiming to pull in families from across the area by hosting regular family film nights, saving people a 24-mile round trip to the nearest local cinema.

A wide range of soft drinks – including non-alcoholic shandy –along with a great food offer that is particularly helpful for those struggling with allergies, completes the deal for visiting families.

Charity work is also a big part of the business and Sandra has turned daredevil on two occasions lately, jumping out of a plane and doing a wing walk to help raise money for local concerns.

A recent move to be licensed for weddings means the pub is adding yet more strings to its bow, and catering for families at the very start of their journey.