A COUNCILLOR has revealed the winner of his pub of the year competition.

Oxfordshire county councillor Liam Walker, who represents the Hanborough and Minster Lovell division, has announced The White Hart in Minster Lovell as the victor.

Mr Walker launched the contest in November to find the best boozer in his division, with 14 pubs in the running.

Hundreds of votes were cast online but it was The White Hart, run by Barbara Burkert and her husband Richard, which received the most.

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Mrs Burkert said: “We are delighted to have won this award. We have worked really hard since taking over the pub back in June 2019.

“Then Covid-19 hit and the uncertainty of our industry was really stressful at times.

“We however made the most of the lockdowns, using the time to give the pub a much-needed makeover, and have come back stronger than ever.

“This award just shows that the hard work has paid off, and we’re now a thriving community pub.”

Mr Walker added: “The hospitality sector has been hard hit over the past 18 months due to coronavirus and I wanted to do something that would recognise the importance of our local pubs, which are the heart of our communities.

“I want to thank the hundreds of people who voted and congratulate Richard, Barbara and The White Hart team on this well-deserved win.”