Winner: The Green Dragon 

LANDLADY Jeannette Elstone has spoken of her pride in transforming the fortunes of a town centre pub.

Jeannette has been licensee at The Green Dragon in Witton Street, Northwich, for four and a half years, and has told of how far the pub had come since she took over in 2013.

She described The Green Dragon as a ‘proper, traditional, community local’ boasting a large number of regulars, and has invited people unaware of what it has to offer to call in for a pint.

The pub is well known for supporting local people in need of help through collections and raffles.

“We are a traditional pub serving drinks only at the moment, and quality and value for money are important to us, as is making everyone welcome,” said Jeannette.

“It was a rough start at The Green Dragon as its reputation was in tatters – I was told I’d taken on the worst pub in Northwich.

“But we have a great team here and we’ve worked so hard that we now have a large group of regulars who’ve made the pub a viable business.

“It’s now as much their pub as it’s mine – they love the place and are proud of how far it’s come – it’s a proper community local now.”

Jeannette was delighted to discover the pub had been put forward for an award.

“I was on holiday when I found out we’d been nominated, and it really did make my holiday,” she said.

“To see so many people voting for us was amazing, and it really brought home that all our hard work was worth it, and that our customers appreciate what we’re trying to do.

“Thank you so much to everyone who voted for us – we’re over the moon.

“The Green Dragon is a traditional pub with quality beer, which is easy on the wallet and with a bit of banter squeezed in where appropriate.

“To the people who avoid us due to the pub’s reputation – please don’t judge a book by its cover, pop in for a pint and let us try to change your mind.”

Jeannette employs six staff and became licensee in July 2013.

“We were a free house until last year, when through choice I tied to Molson Coors for five years,” she said.

“Steve Horth is my rep, and has been amazing with the support they have given.”

YOUR FAVOURITE FIVE

  • The Green Dragon, Northwich
  • The White Bear, Middlewich
  • The Lord Eldon, Knutsford
  • The Bowling Green, Northwich
  • Dexter and Jones, Knutsford

Highly commended: The White Bear 

The White Bear in Middlewich is the runner up for best pub.

The establishment is very well respected in the community and manager Paul Cochran puts this down to a welcoming atmosphere.

He said: “We appeal to a broad range of people, families, younger groups, older adults, retired people and are very female friendly.”

He got into the industry while at university and always enjoyed the social aspect of hospitality.

The customer favourites are the homemade burgers or lasagne.

The pub has a unique selling point in the way they deal with the ales they have in stock.

Paul said: “We never have the same beer on twice in a row. Last year we had 238 different beers on.”

The manager believes there is no secret to the success of The White Bear, only hard, dedicated work from all the staff who work there.

Entering its seventh year now, having opened in 2011, it’s onwards and upwards for this Middlewich pub.

Readers voted in our Food and Drink Awards during the spring across our sister titles. 

We've been revealing the winners over the past week. Keep your eyes peeled for the remaining categories.