Pub near Market Drayton celebrates being shortlisted for 'Rural Oscar' just months after re-opening under new management
A pub near Market Drayton is celebrating reaching the regional finals of the 'Rural Oscars' - just months after re-opening under new management.
The Castle Inn at Bletchley near Market Drayton has been shortlisted in the 'best pub' category for this year's Countryside Alliance Awards - known as the 'Rural Oscars'.
The awards, now in their 18th year, celebrate British food and farming, and enterprise and heritage through small hard-working businesses.
Members of the public can nominate businesses and share their opinions on why they are worthy of national acclaim.
The Castle Inn re-opened in August last year under new ownership and direction.
The pub's roof is currently being replaced, but it remains open to visitors from across the region.
New owner Davina Warmer is delighted with how things have gone since she got the keys to the premises last June and was overjoyed, but also surprised, at their nomination for the national awards.
"It has gone really well so far," she said.
"To be honest, I was just gobsmacked to be nominated for the awards in the first place. I am not sure who has but we were told it was by multiple people.
"And to get through to the top five in the Midlands was a real shock and we are really proud.
"It is a way of getting the Castle Inn back on the map and Market Drayton too for having some decent food in the area.
"We are chuffed and all the staff have worked so hard since we re-opened so it is really rewarding for them all."
MP for North Shropshire Helen Morgan has given praise to the Castle Inn and other businesses within her constituency who have made the regional finals.
The Olde Jack in Calverhall, near Whitchurch, has also been shortlisted for the 'best pub' award.
Mrs Morgan joined staff from the White Lion in Ash Magna at the Countryside Alliance Awards in 2023 when it was named as the 'UK’s Best Country Pub'.
She said: "Local businesses like these are a vital part of Shropshire’s economy and I am so glad that their importance is deservedly being recognised by these awards.
"Rural areas rely on businesses that go the extra mile and support their local communities.
"I look forward to following the finalists’ progress and seeing if we can bag another champion prize for North Shropshire."
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