An award-winning Cherwell pub has been handed a new five-out-of-five food hygiene rating.

The Horse And Groom in Lower Heyford Road in Caulcott, which is near Bicester, was given the maximum score following an assessment which was conducted at the pub on October 26, the Food Standards Agency's website shows.

This comes as a huge improvement for the establishment, which was given a one star rating at the previous inspection on September 13 this year.

The pub was voted the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) pub of the year for North Oxfordshire in 2010 and it was described the following year as a “real gem” by The Good Beer Guide.

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The Horse and Groom dates back to the early 18th century and has a thatched roof with owners’ accommodation and has grade II listed status.

It is open weekly Wednesday to Sunday, from noon to 3pm and then 6pm to 11pm Wednesday to Saturday, as well as noon to 3pm on Sundays.