MINEHEAD's Hairy Dog pub has won a top industry award, being named as the Family Pub of the Year in The Publican Awards 2005. Run by Chris and Alison Corbett, the pub scored highly for its "impressive array of play areas" coupled with its games and dining facilities. The judges described the venue as "several pubs under one roof" and heaped praise on its "good facilities and excellent customer service". It was the first time the couple had entered the competition run by The Publican magazine and Chris said they were "chuffed to bits" to be named as the winners. He said: "It came down to six finalists and we really didn't expect to win it first time around." The Hairy Dog beat off stiff competition from family-based pubs in Denbighshire, Bury, Kent, Rochdale and Norwich to clinch the title. All six finalists had to undergo rigorous trade visits and panel interviews to win through to the final, which was held in London's Grosvenor House Hotel. Alison and Chris are pictured with their award and, from the left, staff members Chris Jacobs, Wayne Jones, Pete Hatherley, Richard Wilkinson, Dave Payne and Shaun Coombs. Photo: Steve Guscott