Staff at a Warwickshire boozer were left to drown their sorrows after missing out on a major national award. The Coach House in Rother Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, beat hundreds of rivals to make the Best City / Urban Pub shortlist at The Great British Pub Awards, honouring excellence in the industry.

But it wasn't to be for the Stratford watering hole as The Turk’s Head in Twickenham took home the gong. Linzi Toon, general manager of The Coach House, said making the final six was an achievement in itself.

"We're thrilled to make it through this stage as the only pub from the Midlands and surrounding areas," she said, ahead of the grand final in Manchester on Tuesday, September 19. Linzi and the team can at least console themselves as two-time winners in the Best Pub Awards 2022 and as a recently-announced finalist in the West Midlands Combined Authority Tourism Awards 2024!

READ MORE: Rave reviews as Danish retailer dubbed 'Little Ikea' opens store in Leamington Spa

Speaking after The Coach House was selected as a Great British Pub Awards finalist, Linzi had said: "We work so hard to ensure we deliver a great experience for every customer, on every visit. But, ultimately, it's the people either side of the bar that make a pub special, so our thanks go to our customers for adding their magic to The Coach House!"

All six GBPA finalists hosted a 'judges visit' and interview before learning their fate during the ceremony at Victoria Warehouse, fronted by former Radio 1 DJ and TV personality Edith Bowman. Described on its website as 'a must-visit' pub, The Coach House boasts over 475 years of history.

Its recent refurbishment raised a glass to William Shakespeare, the town's most famous son, as well as Davenports, the Birmingham-based brewery that runs the venue. In addition to serving up 'great food, ales, cocktails and free live entertainment' staff are said to support many local charities and projects.

The Coach House in Stratford-upon-Avon was a finalist at the Great British Pub Awards
The Coach House in Stratford-upon-Avon was a finalist at the Great British Pub Awards

Workers are also well known for making huge efforts with seasonal floral and décor displays to support local and national initiatives. Meanwhile their spooky Halloween makeovers turn heads for different reasons.

Sign up to our daily newsletter for the latest news from across Warwickshire.