One of Oxford's most popular - and hard to find - pubs has won a prestigious national award.

The Turf Tavern is a favourite for town and gown customers alike.

With its cask beer, special events throughout the year and vibrant atmosphere, the Turf has been crowned overall winner of the Abbot Ale Perfect Pub Awards 2007, run in conjunction with The Daily Telegraph and Classic FM.

Judges included chef Antony Worrall Thompson, actor Brian Blessed and presenter Philippa Forrester.

Tucked away in Bath Place, off Holywell Street, the quirky layout includes twisting passageways and courtyards covered in awnings, warmed by outdoor heaters.

Landlord Darren Kent also saw the tavern, which dates from the 17th century, scoop the title of Perfect Cask Pub.

He said: "When tourists come to Oxford, one of their key aims is to find the Turf, because you can't see it from any of the roads.

"It's Oxford's worst kept secret - and our motto is 'find us if you can'."

The pub has an interesting history.

It is featured in the Thomas Hardy novel Jude The Obscure and Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited.

Bob Hawke, who later became Australian Prime Minister, broke the world record time for sinking a yard of ale at the hostelry in 11 seconds in 1962.

Mr Kent added: "The following year, Bill Clinton was a visitor during his time as a Rhodes scholar and this is supposed to be the place where he didn't inhale cannabis.

"Stephen Hawking has also been to the Turf and Thom Yorke from Radiohead is a regular here."

Mr Kent said he only employed people who were passionate about beer. "Our role is to educate our customers. In fact, we see ourselves as offering an education in intoxication.

"It's not about getting people drunk, but helping them to develop a better understanding about beer. With so many cask ales on sale some might say that every day at the Turf is a festival."