The Anchor Inn in Seatown has been selected as a Sawday’s pub award winner in the Pub with rooms category.

Sawday’s team of pub inspectors have uncovered more than 130 new additions, plus 15 of Sawday’s absolute favourites in the annual Pub Awards - selected as brilliant newcomers, or for their authenticity, commitment to the community, local and seasonal produce or excellent rooms.

The three winners of the Pub with rooms award promise a restful slumber in thoughtfully furnished top-notch bedrooms.

Toby Sawday, managing director of Sawday’s said that competition for the annual award had never been fiercer.

He said: “These 15 winners really embody the Sawday’s spirit of special, demonstrating creativity and excellence in a changing and challenging industry.”

“The pub world is changing at hectic speed, amidst the mire of lattes, chrome, hip-dom and hedonism there are bastions of special and we’ve found them- a diverse and innovative bunch.

"From ‘Micropubs’ stocked with cask ales, to craft breweries, treehouse rooms and supper clubs, these special places are reinventing the old tradition”

The Anchor Inn, run by Paul Wiscombe has been added to the latest edition of the Sawday’s best-selling guide to pubs, Special Places: Pubs and Inns of England and Wales.

In its 11th edition, the guide describes the Bridport inn as 'a thriving, lively inn that knows exactly how to make the most of its location.

The big sun terrace and gardens overlook the pebbly beach; interiors evoke driftwood and nautical cosiness, with open fires around which you can enjoy a pint of Palmers and a fresh crab sandwich, or a bowl of super fresh shellfish washed down with an excellent wine.'

Head chef, Samuel Hill, who grew up in Dorset has also been praised in the guide for his use of fish and lobsters for his 'hearty menus that hint at the East while making splendid use of locally sourced produce.'

Jayson Perfect from Palmers Brewery said: "We are thrilled that Paul and his team at the Anchor Inn have been recognised with this award.

"Everyone in the hospitality industry appreciates that Sawday’s is the guide of choice for discerning travellers who want to discover places that are special.

"We have always known how special the Anchor Inn at Seatown is and it is fantastic that so many more people will be eager to discover one of West Dorset’s hidden gems in the future."

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