A ST JOHN'S pub has come out on top in the Worcester News pub of the year competition after hundreds of pub-goers across the city cast a vote for their favourite watering hole.

Worcester's drinkers and pub-goers raised a glass to the family-friendly Bedwardine pub in Bromyard Road and crowned it their pub of the year.

Landlord Sebastian O'Donnell said he was "absolutely delighted" to bag the award especially after only taking over the pub just over a year ago.

He said: "With it being my first year at the pub, it is absolutely fantastic. What a great feeling.

"I am completely gobsmacked. I am absolutely lost for words."

Mr O'Donnell moved with his family to the Bedwardine after running the popular but now demolished Coppertops in Dines Green.

He said: "The support from locals is fantastic. There is a great atmosphere in the pub and all the bar staff are fantastic.

"We've put a lot of hard work into the pub so it is absolutely fantastic to hear the news that we have won."

Support and praise for the Bromyard Road pub came raining in after voting was announced and locals and patrons voted in their hundreds to celebrate the "fantastic staff and landlord" at the Bedwardine.

Voters also praised the pub for its cleanliness and disabled access.

Other nominations sent to the Worcester News said the Bedwardine was a "great all rounder" and was "very friendly" and went on to compliment the pub for its excellent atmosphere, polite staff and good selection of beer.

The Fox and Hounds in Lulsley received the second highest number of votes.

Praise for the pub was high with voters commending its excellent food and "superb service" amongst lovely surroundings.

One nomination called the Fox and Hounds "the best pub around for miles."

Several nominations also praised the pub's "lovely roaring fire" and brilliant selection of ales.

The Fox and Hound's selection of gin was complimented several times by voters.

In a scoop for pubs in St Johns, The Bell Inn came third in our competition to find the city's best pub.

Praise for The Bell Inn included from Worcester News readers included its excellent selection of local ales, friendly atmosphere and bar staff.