A Rutland pub has been declared Pub of the Year 2021 in The Good Pub Guide.

The Olive Branch at Clipsham won the award from its readers "on all aspects of its business."

"It has to be top of its game and the Olive Branch is most definitely that."

Fiona Stapley, who has worked on the guide for 35 years, also commented: "The Olive Branch in Clipsham is a very special place and a deserved winner as the Good Pub Guide's Pub of the Year 2021.

"Not only is it a proper local with real ales (one is even named for them), a log fire and a genuine welcome (for dogs as well) but you will also get the best food to be found in Leicestershire & Rutland. Bedrooms in their renovated Georgian property just across the road are individually furnished and restful and breakfasts are delicious."

The guide also said of the pub which was founded by three friends, including managing director Ben Jones: "The Olive Branch is a really special place for a drink, a meal or an overnight stay. It's a perennially successful inn which attracts a deservedly loyal following from both near and far, and will celebrate its 21st anniversary on December 12th.

"In addition to being awarded Pub of the Year 2021, The Olive Branch is also Leicestershire Dining Pub of the Year 2021.

"Good Pub Guide readers, once again, gave warmly enthusiastic praise on all aspects of this lovely inn. Once labourers' cottages, the various small and attractive bar rooms have a remarkably unstuffy feel, with dark joists and beams, rustic furniture, an interesting mix of pictures (some by local artists), candles on tables and a cosy log fire in a stone inglenook fireplace; background music, bar billiards and board games.

"There's a beer named for the pub (from Grainstore) and local Round Corner Lazars on handpump, an enticing wine list (with at least 25 by the glass or carafe), a thoughtful choice of spirits and cocktails (they make their own using seasonal ingredients) and several British and continental bottled beers. Service is efficient and genuinely friendly.

"Outside, tables, chairs and big plant pots sit on a pretty little terrace, with seating on the neat lawn, sheltered in the crook of the two low buildings. A renovated Georgian property across the road from the main pub houses the individually decorated, restful bedrooms, and breakfasts are delicious.

"The wine shop also sells their own jams and chutneys, you can order individual dishes to take away and they can even organise food for a dinner party at home."

The Olive Branch responded on its Facebook page today: "We are so proud and so so grateful to the whole team. This is an accolade won by every single one of them – everyone has played their part. And at the end of an unbelievably tough year, we're a bit emotional and lost for words

"Coincidently, this Saturday is our 21st birthday. We first opened on December 12, 1999 with a village Christmas party. Sadly we can't celebrate this year because of the restrictions.

"And we can't announce this award without mentioning the plight of UK pubs. A pub is about the whole experience – the beer, wine food and atmosphere.

"Pubs are amazing places. But right now, due to the restrictions, we aren't really a pub. We aren't able to welcome all; we aren't able to enjoy a drink and some local gossip at the bar."

The Facebook post added: "Compared to many, we're lucky – yet this year has still been a battle for survival. Many other pubs less fortunate than us will not make it. Much more help is needed from the government.

"Let's hope that arrives soon. Meanwhile, thanks to everyone who've made this award possible."