A pub in Cornwall is in the running to be named the best pub in the country after making the finals of this year’s Visit England Awards for Excellence.

The Peterville Inn in St Agnes said it was “absolutely thrilled” to be competing in the Pub of the Year category against The Acorn Inn, Dorset and The Red Fox, Merseyside.

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence champion the very best of England’s tourism industry celebrating quality, innovation, best practice and exceptional customer service, with the finalists having already beaten competition at both the county and regional level.

The Peterville Inn took home the gold award in the Cornwall Tourism Awards and the silver at the South West Tourism Awards before making the top three at country level.

Falmouth Packet: The pub won gold at the Cornwall Tourism Awards and silver at the South West Tourism awardsThe pub won gold at the Cornwall Tourism Awards and silver at the South West Tourism awards (Image: Peterville Inn)

Tom and Lara Trubshaw, who took on the pub in July 2020, said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed to have made the national finals, we had no idea in our wildest dreams this is something we would achieve.

“We are incredibly passionate about our pub and our team and we’re thrilled that the judges understood everything we’re about when they mystery visited us last year.”

The couple are supported by general manager Steven Gibbs and head chef Edward Mitchell, along with the rest of the team.

Falmouth Packet: Some of the food served at the Peterville InnSome of the food served at the Peterville Inn (Image: Peterville Inn)

Tom and Lara added: “We’re also so pleased to be representing Cornwall as one of just a handful of Cornish tourism businesses selected to reach the England finals. It’s the best county in the country - let’s show everyone what we’re all about!”

This year’s VisitEngland Awards will be held in Liverpool on June 5. Here, Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be announced at the black tie event.

Falmouth Packet: Tom and Lara Trubshaw have run the Peterville Inn since July 2020Tom and Lara Trubshaw have run the Peterville Inn since July 2020 (Image: Peterville Inn)

Also representing Cornwall will be My Cottages in St Ives, in the Self Catering Accommodation of the Year category, and THE PIG-at Harlyn Bay in the Small Hotel of the Year category.

VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes said: “I am always impressed by the tourism businesses who make it onto our list of finalists, with their innovative approaches to ensuring people have the most amazing experiences whilst delivering outstanding customer service across England. 

“I congratulate all the finalists and wish them the very best of luck.”