A Suffolk pub is in the running for a prestigious national award after being named the best in the county. 

The Coach & Horses in Melton, near Woodbridge, has been crowned the best pub in Suffolk and will compete for the title of National Pub & Bar of the Year at the 2023 National Pub & Bar Awards.

It is one of six regional winners, who will go on to challenge for the overall winner in the East of England category.

A total of 94 pubs and bars across the UK have been scooped regional titles as part of the awards.

The pubs, which have been selected on overall best practice across several operational categories, will be officially crowned at a red carpet celebration in London on June 28, where 15 Regional Winners will also be announced, as well as the esteemed accolade – the overall National Pub & Bar of the Year.

Pubs had the opportunity to enter the awards since the start of the year, with venues across the country outlining their operation and how they are run. 

Sam Lomas, director at the Deben Inns group, said: "I received the email yesterday and it was amazing.

"After recent years, everyone has worked their socks off. You look through that list of winners and it is a good group to be amongst. 

"We are all over the moon."

“We were overwhelmed by the level and quality of entries this year,” said Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which runs the awards.

“It just goes to show what magnificent work is going on across the UK hospitality sector. With outrageous energy costs, recruitment shortages and a punishing taxation system, these businesses are once again facing tough times. 

"Now, more than ever, it’s vital that people support their local pubs and bars."