The team at a village pub near Letchworth are celebrating after being named the best in Herts in a national competition.

The Comet: The Fox at Willian.The Fox at Willian. (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

The Fox at Willian has come up trumps in the National Pub & Bar Awards’ county round, and now goes forward to the regional and national awards in London next month.

It is much more than just a pub, with a fine restaurant, bedrooms and even a post office and store – and Fox general manager Scott Foster said his staff were over the moon.

He said: “This is a fantastic award and we are truly thrilled – it’s great news.

“We feel highly honoured to have received this award and look forward to spreading the news to our lovely customers this summer.

The Comet: The Fox at Willian.The Fox at Willian. (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

“Thank you Pub & Bar for the award.’

Explaining why The Fox had won the award, Pub & Bar editor Tristan O’Hana cited its hospitable environment and community value.

He said: “As part of the Anglian Country Inns group, The Fox represents the essential elements required to deliver a wonderfully hospitable environment.

“Its premium food offer, matched with the substantial investment put into the building itself, shows how much pride is taken in the venue.

The Comet: The Fox general manager Scott Foster is celebrating being named best pub in Herts in the National Bar & Pub Awards 2017.The Fox general manager Scott Foster is celebrating being named best pub in Herts in the National Bar & Pub Awards 2017. (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

“What’s more, not many places can claim to be a pub and fine dining restaurant with rooms, a post office and a village store – it’s the whole community package.”

Anglian County Inns managing director James Nye said: “We are thrilled that The Fox has been recognised as Best Pub in Hertfordshire among nearly 500 pubs that entered nationwide, and we are looking forward to competing against the best operators in the country.”

The grand final is at the Princess Anne Theatre in London’s Piccadilly on May 23.

For more about the pub, see foxatwillian.co.uk.