The landlord of the ‘most improved pub of the year’ has described the last 12 months as ‘tough but beautiful’.

Sotir Balla, 35, and his wife Ilze Pundere, 33, have been awarded the title by the White Horse Campaign for Real Ale just a year after they reopened the Blue Boar in Wantage.

“We were jumping and dancing the day we found out,” said Mr Balla, who moved to the town 12 years ago from the city of Larissa in Greece.

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“It feels really good to be recognised for all the hard work you have put in.”

The couple previously ran the ran the 30 Something wine bar in Market Place for five years – but the premises became too small to cope with customer demand.

Mr Balla said: “30 Something was very successful, but it became too small for us. It was very busy every night and we had issues with the size.

“We decided to go for a bigger property and that’s when the Blue Boar became available.”

The couple took over the pub in Newbury Street in January 2022 and decided to change its entire style and layout.

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“Before it was like a sports bar with a pool table, darts and television screens showing the football,” said Mr Balla.

“We changed it completely from what it was.”

They spent five months renovating the building – including a rebuild of the toilets and installation of a new ceiling, bar, and modern cellar - before it reopened in May 2022.

The couple also started to sell a wide range of craft beers, including from Belgium and the United States.

It didn’t take long for the new business to find its feet.

“The business was popular straight away because a lot of customers followed us over from the wine bar,” said Mr Balla. “We had a big opening.

“We have always been supported by the town – it is amazing. We are in love with our customers.

“After the tough years with covid it’s great the support we have and continue to have from them.”

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Mr Balla has created a distinct style for the pub – although admitted it was not ‘the cheapest place in town’

He said: “We wanted to create a family-style pub that felt safe for everyone – 70 per cent of our customers are women.

“You can enjoy a nice glass of prosecco as well as a pint of beer.

“It is a great place to meet and chat because we don’t have loud music and there is table service all the time.

“It is completely opposite from the sports bar or a dancing venue.

“I’m not saying we’re the cheapest place in town but that extra money buys you a better level of service and product.”