A Shepherd Neame pub has been named the brewery’s best in Kent.

The New Flying Horse in Wye, near Ashford, scooped the top accolade as the Faversham firm announced its winners in a series of categories, including best food and best beer.

Landlord Joe Mullane, who also celebrated his 60th birthday on the night of the awards ceremony, took over the pub two years ago with his wife Jane. In 2022 it was crowned Sheps’ Wine Pub of the Year but this year took the big prize.

“We are a hospitality business - it is about bringing people together,” he said.

“There is one thing we have done right - and that is build an incredible team, they are amazing.

“They love the pub as much as we do. We are so thrilled to receive this award, which is a fantastic recognition of everyone’s hard work.”

Nine pubs across Kent went away with awards, with three more handed out to staff.

Oak on the Green in Bearsted was awarded Managed Pub of the Year. while the Hampton Inn in Herne Bay won Tenanted Pub of the Year.

The Parrot in Canterbury took the Pub of the Year award for customer service.

The Marine Hotel in Tankerton won the award for best accommodation offer, while best food offer went to Bucks Head in Sevenoaks, best wine to Three Mariners in Oare, and best beer to The Mermaid Inn in Bishopsbourne.

The heart of the community award was given to the Flying Horse in Smarden.

In the individual awards categories, Chef of the Year went to Peter Baldwin from the Fish on the Green in Bearsted, while Sally Carter, the assistant manager of The George Inn in Cranbrook, was named Apprentice of the Year.

Karen Barrett, from the Walnut Tree in Aldington, was awarded the Outstanding Contribution prize.