Times may be tough for the UK’s pub trade, but the Duke of Portland in Lach Dennis has cause for celebration this week after being named Best Gastropub in the Northwest in the Great British Pub Awards, putting it amongst the top 8 in the UK and a in with a chance of winning the national title in a glittering Awards ceremony to be held at the London Hilton next month.

The Mooney family already have much to be proud of. Owners for 30 years of the fêted Belle Époque in Knutsford, they adopted ‘The Duke’ five years ago, and are well accustomed to titles and awards. However, the Great British Pub Awards, run by drinks industry ‘bible’ the Morning Advertiser, are the ultimate accolade in pub retailing and competition for a finals placing is intense.  Following a ‘paper’ judging and a visit from an industry expert, the Duke is now officially best in the area – offering fresh, locally sourced food and a superb range of ales and fine wines served up in a relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Paul Charity, editor of the Morning Advertiser, said, “It is heartening to find such a wonderful local success story when there has been little good news about pubs recently. This is proof that customers still value quality and good service and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Great British Pub. The Mooneys deserve this public recognition of their achievement.”

Matthew Mooney added: “This prestigious award shows that we are getting it right! And that, within a pub environment, it is possible to serve high quality local produce and happily offer a quality range of cask ales alongside fine wines. This is our reward for staying true to our values and a fitting prize for the staff at the Duke who work so hard to uphold our standards of customer service. Even in today’s climate, quality and integrity still count.”

The judges were impressed with the Duke of Portland’s dedication to excellence, commenting, “The menu is a great example of everything a gastropub should offer.  It is to the Mooney’s credit that they have achieved this, and created an excellent reputation for their food.” 

With their 5th birthday imminent, the Duke has recently undergone a complete programme of refurbishment both inside and out, including the creation of an alfresco eating and drinking area offering uninterrupted views of the Cheshire countryside.

The Duke of Portland Penny's Lane Lach Dennis Cheshire CW9 7SY Telephone: 01606 46264