THEY might only have taken over three months ago, but the new owners of The Carriers Inn at Hatchmere Lake are already award winners.

Leigh Capon and Joanne Dewar took over at the pumps near Delamere Forest in May and the venue has just been named Best Beer Garden 2022.

Each week, we focus on different categories to find the best that Northwich, Knutsford, Winsford and Middlewich have to offer with 13 awards for hair, nails, beauty, fitness and independent shop being given out as well as fish and chips, pies, pubs, breakfast, afternoon tea, pizza and roast dinner already decided.

Voting has been taking place over the weekend in the latest round of the competition with the award for Best for Children up for grabs and the winner being announced tomorrow, Wednesday.

Next up was the beer garden – the perfect place to enjoy a cold drink in the sunshine and that describes The Carriers Inn at Hatchmere Lake to a tee.

The Delamere Forest venue claims to have “perfect beer garden” and happy customers agree making it the Best Beer Garden 2022.

The stunning country pub with fantastic views over the water serves food and drink in an ideal location and Leigh and Joanne saw an even brighter future.

Northwich Guardian: New owners Leigh and JoanneNew owners Leigh and Joanne

With Joanne previously owning her own restaurant and Leigh working as a manager for Marston’s, they wanted their own business and The Carriers Inn fit the bill.

Leigh said: “When Joanne and I saw it we immediately fell in love.

“We loved the recently renovated garden room opening out into the large garden and we could see the potential.

“We just thought ‘it’s now or never’!”

Northwich Guardian: The perfect place to enjoy a Sunday roastThe perfect place to enjoy a Sunday roast

There will be a new menu launched in September featuring lunchtime deals and The Carriers Inn will continue to open seven days a week with food being served between 12 noon and 8pm Mondays to Saturdays and until 6pm on Sundays.

The initial team of four members of staff has now been increased to a team of 13.

Leigh said: “We’ve had great support from the locals who have seen quite a bit of change over the past few years but we’re listening to regulars and acting on what they say they’d like to see here.

“We’re popular with dog walkers and other hikers who often park their cars and go for a meander round the lake before calling in for a drink or a bite to eat afterwards.

“Many people don’t realise what we have and when they see the garden room and beer garden they’re amazed.

“It’s a great reaction!”

For more details go to facebook.com/carriersinnhatchmerelake