Star Pubs presented the award to Gill and Paul Riley, who took over the Red Hart Hotel on Bawtry road in Blythe in 2005 and transformed it into a well-known destination dining spot.
The site showcases a spacious bar and dining room with various pub classics available such as home made pies and à la carte specials, all created with locally sourced ingredients. The venue also offers an assortment of cask ales.
The pub has since become a focal point for the community in Blyth, with its taproom known by many as the ‘village living room’. The site holds various events throughout the year, and has raised more than £7,000 in fundraising events within the last year.
The Red Hart has also been featured in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide each year since 2006.
The building itself was originally built as a coaching inn and dates back to 1691. The Rileys have maintained many of the traditional features of the building, including its wooden beams and old-fashioned tap room.
Serves the needs of a village
Licensee Gill Riley said: “I’d known The Red Hart growing up and had some of my first drinks here. It’s a beautiful old pub and I’d always liked it. I was upset when I saw the state it was in.
“We wanted to bring it back to its glory days and turn it into a pub that served the needs of the village”.
“Within six weeks we’d sold our house and moved in, living in two rooms with our family while repairs were done. We’ve never regretted it. There’s a strong sense of community in Blyth and residents have backed us every step of the way; we couldn’t have done it without them or our fantastic staff.
“It’s been hard work but worth it. The Red Hart is the right pub for us, and we love it.”
Looking ahead
Having recently signed a lease for another five years, both Gill and Paul are now looking to the future and a quarter of a century at the Red Hart.
Star Pubs’ area manager Paul Willis, said: “This award couldn’t be more well deserved. Paul and Gill have put their all into the Red Hart and worked tirelessly to keep it thriving.
The results speak for themselves.
“They’re passionate about delivering outstanding food and drink and contributing to local life. It’s a fantastic combination, and the results speak for themselves. The Red Hart has everything you’d want from a great local pub.”
