A popular pub based a stone’s throw from Brentford Football Club has clocked up a hat-trick of victories after being named this year’s best local boozer.
Landlords of The Griffin, Ralph and Sue Clifton, have already had two reasons to break out the champagne in 2009 - in April the Bees secured promotion to League One and, having known each other for 25 years, Ralph and Sue tied the knot last month.
Completing the treble, Chiswick-based brewery, Fuller’s, named the Brook Road watering hole as its Town/Local Pub of the Year, in its Griffin Trophy competition, at a ceremony at the brewery, earlier this month.
The newlyweds have been trying to reclaim the crown since 2001, when they first won the category.
Mr Clifton, whose pub helps to fund disabled sports club the Feltham Bees, said: “We are both so pleased to have won this award again. Having won it before, we know how hard it is and how you have to get better year after year.
“Our whole team concentrates on making sure customers are greeted with a welcoming face and enjoy the time they spend with us.
“I would like to think this pub is the heart of the community really.”
He added: “We’ve had a fantastic week and it will actually be a double celebration, because Sue and I got married on October 31.
“Perhaps we’ll use our holiday prize to make our honeymoon extra special.”
However, the couple have resigned themselves to putting the trip on hold until the football season is over - so they can keep a watchful eye over the pub and continue supporting the Bees, who currently sit 16th in the league.
Fuller’s chairman, Michael Turner, awarded the Clifton’s a holiday to the value of £1,000, £200 to share between bar staff and a commemorative plaque for the pub.
Pub regular, Ray, said: “What keeps people coming back here is the charm of the bar staff.”
A fellow punter added: “It's all you would want in a pub, good beer, good food and great people.
“Best pub in Brentford.”
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