Staff are celebrating at a riverside pub shortlisted as one of the best in the country.

Each year the National Pub and Bar Awards crowns county winners from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, giving each pub a platform to promote themselves and increase footfall.

This year 94 have been shortlisted to be chosen as the country's best pub.

Judges were impressed with the way the team at The Victoria Arms in Old Marston, run by Butcombe Pubs & Inns, "demonstrated excellence in design, service, food and drink, style of offer, marketing and investment".

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General manager Alex Kecojevic said: “We’re thrilled to be on the shortlist for this award.

Oxford Mail: Inside the Victoria Arms, Old Marston"We all work so hard to give our valued guests the very best food, drink and hospitality experience when they visit us, so to be recognised at these prestigious awards means the world to us all.”

All county winners will come together at the National Pub & Bar Awards Grand Final on June 26 where regional winners will be crowned alongside Pub Group of the Year, Bar Group of the Year and the overall National Pub and Bar of the Year.

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Tristan O’Hana, judge at National Pub and Bar Awards, said: “The fact that we had record entries for the 2024 awards tells us how highly the industry regards these accolades, which is fantastic."

The Victoria Arms is one of the city's most popular riverside pubs.

Its website says: "Situated on the banks of the River Cherwell in Old Marston, The Victoria Arms is a stunning riverside pub and restaurant with mooring available for punts on the River Cherwell.

Oxford Mail: Inside the Victoria Arms in Old Marston"Full of local history, the building dates back to the 17th century as the ferryman’s cottage, and once hosted a certain Oliver Cromwell."

The website adds: "The Victoria offers traditional pub charm with beautiful interiors, a heated pergola terrace, and huge beer gardens overlooking the river.

"In the kitchen, our focus is hearty seasonal dishes and elevated pub classics, with local produce and ingredients at the heart of the menu.

"In the warmer months, it’s all about street food inspiration, served up from our garden kitchen kiosk to the busy terrace and garden.

Oxford Mail: The Victoria Arms in Old Marston"Behind the bar, we’re proud of our beer selection, with a great range of ale, lager and cider courtesy of our award-winning Butcombe Brewery, along with our cocktail menu.

"We’re child-friendly and dog-friendly, both indoors and outside, with plenty of space for small and large groups."

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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