A “FAULTLESS” country pub has been named the best in Cheshire.

The Fox & Barrel has been crowned the county’s best pub at the Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Awards 2023.

Experts paid a mystery visit to the venue, along with the other finalists, after the public submitted more than 59,000 votes for the hospitality industry awards.

Celebrating the news, a member of staff at the pub said: “The team were so pleased to be nominated for these awards by our fantastic customers.

“It was recognition of their hard work to make sure our level of service exceeds customers expectations on each visit.

“To be chosen as the winners of ‘Best Cheshire Pub’ was amazing especially given the competition from the other brilliant venues.”

READ MORE: Every winner from the Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Awards 2023

Northwich Guardian: The Fox & Barrell in CotebrookThe Fox & Barrell in Cotebrook (Image: Google Maps)

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The Fox & Barrel, in Cotebrook, took home the gold prize for the Best Cheshire Pub category, sponsored by Harlech Food Service.

The Henry Potts in Cheshire came in second, with The White Horse in Churton picking up the bronze medal.

Staff from the three pubs joined more than 400 people from across Cheshire's food, drink and hospitality industry on Wednesday (September 27) for the awards ceremony at Chester Racecourse.

A spokesperson for Taste Cheshire said: “The winner is an outstanding example of the renaissance of the pub as not just a place to drink but a place to gather and enjoy the company of others.

“Service was sublime, not rushed or contrived, considered and respectful.

“In a very competitive category, the winner was faultless.”