An Appleby pub has been named as the ‘Best Tenanted/Leased Pub’ in the Great British Pub Awards 2012.

The Royal Oak Inn was announced as the winner of the national title at the Publican’s Morning Advertiser awards dinner at the Hilton Hotel, in Park Lane, London, yesterday.

The inn had already been chosen as the ‘Best Tenanted/Leased Pub’ in the North West region and beat off the challenge of other regional winners to win the national title.

The awards, organised by leading pub industry magazine, the Publican’s Morning Advertiser, are recognised as the Oscars of the pub world.

The pub is run by Kyle and Janice MacRae.

The Publican’s Morning Advertiser Editor Rob Willock said: “Kyle and Janice caught the judges eyes by driving every ounce of potential out of the Royal Oak Inn, achieving ambitious plans to create a rounded business across food, drink and accommodation.

“They have added a private dining room which has added to restaurant food sales.

“In addition 11 letting bedrooms also play their part in the pub’s success.

“The pub also hosts fish and chip nights, steak nights, a curry club, early bird menus, darts and domino competitions and beer festivals, which have all proven successful.”