The husband and wife team behind a pub frequented by Prince William have been named as The Good Pub Guide's licensees of the year.
Jeanette and Anthony Goodrich, landlord and landlady at The Rose and Crown in Snettisham, west Norfolk, have been recognised in the 2021 edition of the essential handbook.
Editors of the guide praised Mr and Mrs Goodrich for their "continuing enthusiasm, innovative thinking and care and appreciation of local customers".
And there is double cause for celebration after the pub was also crowned Norfolk dining pub of the year 2021, the second year running it has won the prestigious accolade.
Like dozens of other pubs in Norfolk and hundreds across the country, The Rose and Crown has endured a rollercoaster year amid the coronavirus pandemic.
But, in the face of seemingly never-ending changes to rules the restrictions, its owners have tried to maintain an atmosphere of positivity during tough times.
Mr Goodrich said: “We had a cracking summer once we reopened on July 4, with a real feeling of how much people enjoy being out and in the company of others, even if not sitting at the same table.
"The second lockdown came as a disappointment, as was Norfolk being categorised as Tier 2 for our reopening in December. However the outlook is encouraging with lots of bookings coming through, for both dining and accommodation.
"We hope 2021 will see a real bounce-back for ourselves and all the other pubs that have been through such a difficult time.”
The Rose and Crown is described by the Good Pub Guide as a "quintessentially English village inn" with a staunch group of local punters and regular customers from further afield.
Reviewers highlight the pub as having a "welcoming, convivial ambiance", as well as "outstanding food, excellent beers and friendly staff" - all contributing to its "inimitable character."
Referencing the Rose and Crown's Norfolk award, Mr Goodrich added: "We greatly value our staff, both in the kitchen and front of house, who take such pride in the business and create the very special atmosphere for which we have become so well known.
"We are delighted for them - they are a key element in winning this award, and it is a great endorsement of their dedication and hard work."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here