Observer Pub of the Year 2017 winners revealed

The Three Moles in Selham has been named the Observer Pub of the Year 2017.
The Three Moles in Selham has been named the Observer Pub of the Year 2017The Three Moles in Selham has been named the Observer Pub of the Year 2017
The Three Moles in Selham has been named the Observer Pub of the Year 2017

Tom Richardson, 35, and Ollie Boulton, 25, took over the traditional countryside real ale house in May this year.

They have introduced a food menu and have a five-star food rating, with roasts every Sunday – booking essential.

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Ollie has always wanted to own The Three Moles, the smallest pub in Sussex, and says living and working there ‘feels like coming home’.

Tom Richardson and Ollie Boulton with their trophy and certificateTom Richardson and Ollie Boulton with their trophy and certificate
Tom Richardson and Ollie Boulton with their trophy and certificate

Tom explained: “Ollie was brought up here as his aunt used to own it a few years ago.

“The pub was very rundown when we took it over and it was a bit of a gamble taking it on. We have had to spend a small fortune doing the place up. Nearly everything is new.

“It has never had a full menu before and when we moved here, it was just a domestic kitchen, so we had to strip it and put in a commercial kitchen.

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“We do a proper pub grub menu and have a separate area for eating, so it doesn’t affect the regulars who want to come in for a drink.

The Three Moles keeps dining to one side so there are tables for people who just want a drinkThe Three Moles keeps dining to one side so there are tables for people who just want a drink
The Three Moles keeps dining to one side so there are tables for people who just want a drink

“This has always been a traditional ale house, a drinkers’ pub, and we want to keep it that way. It is a freehouse and the beers are chosen by the regulars.”

St Austell Cornish Best is the house ale, with the other pumps regularly changing. There is a quiz night on the first Tuesday in the month and a large beer garden at the back.

Visit thethreemoles.co.uk for more information.

In second place in the Observer Pub of the Year 2017 was The White Swan, Station Road, Bosham, and third place went to The Crab Pot, 145 High Street, Selsey, a micro pub which has been open for five months.

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