A pub that was saved from closure three years ago has been declared the best in South Oxfordshire for 2023.

The George in Sutton Courtenay was given the award by the South Oxfordshire Campaign for Real Ale (SOCRA) – which promotes good-quality real ale and pubs.

Previous winners of the award include The Crown in South Moreton, the Bear in North Moreton, and the Bird in Hand in Henley.

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The George beat out the Spire & Spoke in Watlington, the Plough in Long Wittenham, the Red Lion in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell and the Plum Pudding in Milton.

The pub was previously owned by Greene King but was saved in December 2019 when it was purchased by Oak Taverns.

The family run pub company owns 14 pubs – many of which are in Oxfordshire including the Kings Arms in Wantage, the Cross Keys in Wallingford, and the Swan in Faringdon.

The George, which is primarily a wet-led pub, now has a deli counter which sells cakes, pies, scotch eggs, sausage rolls and pre-packed sandwiches.

It sells beers from nearby breweries including the Rude Not To IPA brewed by Amwell Springs – based in Cholsey - and the Abingdon Bridge by Loose Cannon Brewing Company.

On some Friday and Saturdays, the pub accommodates street food vendors who sell dishes such as pizza and Japanese street food. It also runs a regular quiz night on a Tuesday evening.

SOCRA will make a presentation to the licensees Rodney and Hanna Parker on March 23.