A delighted Stephen Reid was left almost speechless when he was informed that the Kettledrum Inn has been voted Lancashire Telegraph Readers’ Pub of the Year.

Stephen, who owns the Cliviger pub with brother Robin, said: “Honestly that’s unbelievable. For a little pub like us to win something like this means so much, this is phenomenal.”

Six of East Lancashire’s best pubs were selected for a shortlist after we asked for nominations from readers. The finalists were then voted for both through a coupon in the paper and online with the historic pub, named after the 1861 Derby winner, emerging clear winners.

“I asked people to vote for us but I never thought they would,” joked Stephen. “But we were up against some fantastic pubs in the area and I can’t talk everyone who voted for us enough.

“The whole team here will be thrilled. We are a close little group with many of our staff having been with us for a long time. This will mean so much to everyone.”

Stephen and Robin took over the pub 10 years ago saving it from closure. Since then they have developed it as a community pub and also gained a great reputation as a dining pub.

“Increasingly the dining side has become more important as it has for many pubs,” said Stephen. “We source local ingredients and have four chefs and people travel quite a long way to come here.”

The Kettledrum received a certificate from Parliament for its service to the community during Covid when it offered free meals to the elderly. It has also organised a summer music festival with a marquee being erected on the car park.

“Running a pub is a constant challenge,” said Stephen, “so to receive this award really does make all the effort worthwhile.

“We have a good crowd of regulars and always enjoy welcoming newcomers to the pub whether they are dining or just calling in for a drink.

“We don’t tolerate swearing in the pub and people enjoy the friendly, relaxed atmosphere we have created.”

The bar offers a selection of real ales from Reedley hallows and Timothy Taylor and a range of lagers.

“Everyone here is committed to giving all our customers the best possible experience,” said Stephen. “The staff alway have a smile on their faces and this award is a great recognition of what they do.

“I really am gobsmacked. I was delighted to learn we’d be nominated but to win it, I really never thought that would happen. I’m so grateful.”

The other finalists were the White Hart at Sabden; the Millstone at Mellor; the Clog and Billycock at Pleasington; the Black Bull on Brokenstones Road, Blackburn and the Red Lion at Newchurch in Rossendale.