Owners of a popular pub in Stourport have been left "gobsmacked" after reaching the final of a prestigious award.
The Black Star on Mitton Street is one of only 10 establishments shortlisted for Best Traditional Pub in the Midlands at the Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards 2024.
The pub, which is owned by husband and wife team Maria and Andy Gooding, said it was shocked at the news but very grateful to be in the running alongside such tough competition.
Co-owner Maria Gooding, aged 48, said: "We're so excited and really shocked to be in the final 10. We were contacted a few weeks ago to tell us that a customer had nominated us for the award and at that point there were about 40 to 50 other establishments also on the list.
"To find out we have made the finals is incredible. I'm absolutely gobsmacked and have no words to describe how much it means to us.
"I'm not sure if we'll win but we are going to give it our best shot. There's a lot of tough competition especially from the chain pubs but we're just really honoured to be included amongst such great competitors."
The couple have been running the independent pub for about 10 years but officially bought the premises five years ago.
As well as offering a variety of food and drink, the pub also supports the community by sponsoring local sports teams and loves "giving back to the town".
Ms Gooding added: "We are so passionate about what we do and we love giving back to the town and the local community.
"To know we were nominated by our customers is mind-blowing and I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years."
The winners will be announced at a special ceremony at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on June 17.
Residents can vote for their favourite pub by visiting www.mfdhawards.co.uk/vote-now/
The voting closes on Sunday, May 19 and counts towards 25 per cent of the final decision.
The judges are responsible for picking the winner after looking at the reviews, social media, strengths of the application and other evidence supplied by the pubs.
For more information about The Black Star visit www.theblackstar.co.uk/
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