An Exmoor pub has beaten off competition from around the South West to win a regional award from the Countryside Alliance.

The Exmoor White Horse Inn at Exford has won South West Pub of the Year 2019 title – and Linda and Peter Hendrie, who have run it for over 30 years, are “over the moon”.

“We’re absolutely thrilled. It’s a testament to the team, that’s why it’s so special to us – it’s an acknowledgement to them,” said Linda.

“The award is nomination-based and we were not aware of its existence, but it was our customers who nominated and voted for us, so we were really surprised and humbled,” said Linda.

She was full of praise for the pub’s staff, many of whom have been with them for over ten years - unusual in the tourism business, she said.

The couple celebrated their 30th anniversary of running the 16th century pub last November and are now the longest serving licensees in its 500-year history.

The pub was shortlisted for the award as a regional finalist after judges reviewed its website and history and visited it in person.

“The Countryside Awards are very rural, local, and community-based, with an emphasis on local produce and sustainability – all of which are very important to us,” said Linda.

“You need to show strong links with the community, so it’s lovely we were put forward, and our staff are incredible. It’s definitely a team effort.”

She said they were “more than happy” as winners for the whole South West region, but were now looking forward to attending the national awards in London on June 19.

The Countryside Alliance Awards, the ‘Rural Oscars’, are now in their 14th year, and national finalists in five categories will be crowned at the House of Lords, in the presence of MPs and Ministers.

Over 17,000 nominations were submitted nationally for the categories of local food and drink; village shop/ post office; butcher; rural enterprise and pub.

The regions covered included Wales, East of England, Midlands, South East, South West, North East, North West and Yorkshire.