A popular Weymouth pub has been crowned the winner of a national industry award.

The Rendezvous beat five other finalists to be named Best Live Entertainment Pub in Britain in a glitzy London awards ceremony. 

The pub was praised for its “hugely successful” live music events that it hosts throughout the year, particularly the annual Quayside Music Festival which attracts around 4,000 visitors and supports local emerging bands and artists over a two-day spectacular. 

The Rendezvous invests £100,000 annually into the Quayside festival, as well as hosting summer event Tea on the Quay, showcasing an array of live music acts. 

The recently-refurbished venue is also driven by its Sunday afternoon entertainment line up, from sing-a-longs to karaoke and DJs to live bands of every genre, quizzes, sports, and family days.

General manager Keith Treggiden was there to collect the prestigious accolade at the Hilton Hotel in Park Lane.

He said: “It’s absolutely incredible. 

“You never really think something like this can happen, I am so happy for all the team, and grateful we have been allowed the freedom to do our own unique thing, investing in great entertainment.

“To bring this home for the town and the people of Weymouth is awesome. It’s just phenomenal for us.”

Keith is also the chairman of local schemes Pubwatch and Best Bar None, working with the police and local authorities to promote responsible retailing in the community.

Simon Longbottom, chief executive of Stonegate Pub company which owns Rendezvous, also attended the awards.

He said: “The Rendezvous has a huge impact on local tourism and the positive effect on the community through employment and responsible retailing whilst fulfilling the role of a hugely successful entertainment venue.

“Keith and the team are a credit to our industry and this recognition is truly well earned.”

Stonegate Pub Company is the largest privately-held managed pub operator in the UK, with revenues in excess of £625 million, employing around 14,000 people.

The company has 692 pubs, split into two divisions: Branded, comprising places such as Slug & Lettuce and Yates, and Venues and Traditional comprising proper pubs, town pub and kitchens and classic inns. 

The Great British Pub Awards have been running for 17 years, and this year saw more than 1,000 pubs in the running for titles across 17 different categories.