WHEN I rang the landlord of The London Tavern in Poulner near Ringwood Phil Hoyle a moment ago, to tell him he had won Pub of the Week, he was anxiously awaiting Boris Johnson’s coronavirus announcement planned for 5pm.

Like most pub landlords, restauranters and bar owners, Phil has had a tough time over the course of the pandemic, first with lockdown followed swiftly by the changing regulations.

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“I am lucky,” said Phil, who is landlord along with his fiancé Sarah Williams.

“We are a food-based pub in the heart of a thriving community and we will get through it.”

However, with a doctor for a sister, who worked at The Nightingale Hospital in Liverpool, Phil is avidly aware of the importance of upholding rules to keep people safe.

And during lockdown, supporting NHS spurred him on to cook free roast dinners to NHS staff and launch a delivery and take-away service for his customer’s.

“Having a doctor for a sister means I know how important it is to adhere to government guidelines, which can be tough as many people believe they are nonsense.

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At the Ringwood Carnival in the days before coronavirus

“We have perspex at the bar, we wear masks and make sure people respect the six people rule and distance. We have halved our capacity and created more outside space and placed a marquee in the car park to give people safe space for eating and drinking.

“It has been tough but I think we all know the importance of observing the rules, although sometimes I think I have gone from landlord to headmaster!”

Phil and Sarah took over the London Tavern, a traditional and pretty pub close to the New Forest in Poulner, a little over two years ago.

And since then, the couple have secured a very long and very secure following.

“When people come here for the first time, they come again, and again. We have an excellent head chef Dan Robinson who cooks good quality, delicious food at affordable prices. We want people to be able to call in for something to eat.”

Sunday roasts are a huge hit on the menu at The London Tavern.

But this pub is full of good cheer every day of the week, with people tucking into traditional favourites, relishing the warm welcome and ambient atmosphere.

And with roaring log fires, flagstone floors and regular live music taking place - it is little surprise the pub was voted best newcomer from 600 pubs and in the top three best pubs in the county from Tripadviser.

The London Tavern dates back to 1869 when a certain Mr Roberts converted his house into a pub to be able to acquire "medicinal brandy" for a local lady who was taken ill.

And with city roots, Mr Roberts was known as ‘Johnnie Londoner’ so he named the pub The London Tavern.

Phil added: "We are just of the A31 , so are well worth a detour. you will receive a very warm welcome in a safe environment."

If you would like to nominate your pub in these difficult times, send me your details here