A POPULAR pub near Dorchester has been named as the best for dining in the county.

The Brace of Pheasants in Plush has been crowned Dorset Dining Pub of the Year, for the second time by The Good Pub Guide.

The country pub boasts a diverse Dorset menu including pigeon and partridge from Dorchester, Portland crab, and fresh fish from Bridport.

Landlord Phil Bennett said: “It’s fantastic to win this award. It’s great for everyone on the team to hear they are doing a brilliant job, for all our suppliers, and, of course, our fantastic customers.”

The Good Pub Guide is nationally recognised as a comprehensive assessment of the country’s best pubs which awards consistence and excellence.

Phil, originally from near Liverpool, moved to Dorset ten and a half years ago with his wife Carol to open the village pub and restaurant.

The couple believe the secret to their success lies in an ability to adapt to the times and an unshakeable faith in their local produce.

He said: “We have great suppliers locally and a great selection of local beers and ciders, all of our staff live nearby as well.

“With things like the smoking ban and cheap supermarket alcohol the pub culture has really changed in the last ten years meaning pubs have had to adapt. A lot of pubs around us are closing.

“Nowadays, pubs need to offer good food and something a little different if they want to compete and attract people away from the chains.”

Winning the award means the pub will earn itself a place in The Good Pub Guide 2017, which goes on sale this week.

Phil added: “Hopefully it will bring more business down to this area. This past summer has been absolutely fantastic; it’s been our best yet. In June, July and August we broke all our previous records.”

Over the past decade the couple have worked hard to improve the pub, adding eight guestrooms to the premises in 2009.

Phil said: “Although it’s a dining award it important to remain as a pub, somewhere people can come for a pint or just sit in our beautiful garden with a sandwich and enjoy the surroundings.”

The Brace of Pheasants was previously recognised for its outstanding food when it won the award back in 2012.