THE RESTORATION and progress of the Hanmer Arms pub and restaurant has been rewarded after it was ranked in the top pubs to turn around their fortunes.

The pub, which was taken over last August, made it through to the finals of the John Smith’s Great British Pub awards 2018 in the ‘Best Turnaround Category’.

Matt Parker, who took over managing the pub with his wife Aimee, said: “This is a real shot in the arm recognising the hard work put in by the front of house team, the chefs and their kitchen team and the housekeepers.

“We have received lots of positive comments from people staying with us, eating and drinking with us and want to thank them for their support, which has got us through to the final six in the country.”

Final judging will take place on July 27.