Pub gets place in good book
A Shropshire pub has won a national award with a place in the prestigious Good Pub Guide 2007.
Paul and Jo Stretton-Downes, who run the Bottle and Glass pub, Picklescott, have been named licensees of the year out of hundreds of pubs across the country.
The couple have owned the village pub for two-and-a-half years but have owned seven pubs all over England and have been in and out of the Good Pub Guide for many years.
The book, which celebrates a landmark 25th anniversary edition this year, states: "The jovial character of the whimsical bow-tied landlord ensures a cheery, welcoming atmosphere at this really lovely 16th-century pub.
"The fire rarely goes out in the small low-beamed cosy bar, and very good home-made food is promptly served in hearty helpings."
Mr Stretton-Downes, 57, who lives in the pub with his daughters Verity, 23, and Boudicca, 20, said the acclaim was a great surprise.
He said: "Someone must have come in and recommended us incognito. It was totally out of the blue.
"We are one of many names in the country who were recommended for the award and they picked us so we are very pleased.
"It is not a job, it is a vocation. There's nothing like it. You never know what's going to happen or who will walk through the door.
"The atmosphere in the pub is great fun."
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