Five country pubs shortlisted for Country Life Awards in association with Waitrose

Five country pubs from Norfolk, Hampshire, Suffolk, and Cumbria have been shortlisted for the prestigious Country Pub of the Year Award, part of the Country Life Awards in association with Waitrose. The full shortlist (seven categories of awards) is out in the magazine this week.

The Country Pub of the Year award aims to encourage pubs to be more community-focused, rewarding hostelries that provide good, locally sourced food and bring people together.

The shortlisted pubs are:

• The Pigs in Edgefield, near Holt, Norfolk – The Pigs has shown great enterprise during the recession. It has encouraged the locals to swap everything from meat, vegetables, fish and fruit for pints!

• The Thomas Lord in West Meon, Hampshire – Renowned for its friendly atmosphere and classic village pub ambience, The Thomas Lord celebrates its affiliation with the founder of Lord’s cricket ground and former resident of West Meon.

• The Peat Spade in Stockbridge, Hampshire – Offering a desirable combination of good food, quality wine and sport, The Peat Spade is located in the ’fly-fishing capital of the world’ and really makes the most of its position overlooking the River Test. It has its own fishing shop and arranges fly-fishing and shooting for local people.

• The King’s Head Inn, Laxfield, Suffolk – Recognised for its tradition of serving beer straight from the cask, The Kings Head, dating back to the 16th century, also serves home-cooked food.

• The Mason’s Arms in Cartmel Fell, Cumbria – This entry is a pub that exudes individual character with low black beams and wooden tables on polished flagstones. It boasts spectacular views of the Winster Valley and, with its recent refurbishment, it is a well-earned contender for the award.

The Country Life Awards, in association with Waitrose, celebrate the role of enterprising individuals and businesses in the countryside, and recognise the vital contributions they make to local communities.

The remaining categories are as follows:

• Country Person of the Year – An individual who has made a real difference to rural life, wildlife, agriculture, environment or craft, either locally or nationally.

• Rural Enterprise of the Year – For the most enterprising local business, particularly one that provides specialist services and products that promote the countryside.

• Country Garden of the Year – Entries include small gardens, rural garden schemes and allotments. This could be a large historic garden, a lifetime achievement or a recent renovation.

• Country Event of the Year – This category focuses on fetes, county shows, agricultural shows and more idiosyncratic occasions and traditions such as cheese rolling.

• Country Campaigner of the Year – Highlighting individuals who have made a radical difference to rural life.

• Country House of the Year - judged on quality of restoration, stewardship and the emphasis on protecting its heritage.

Mark Hedges, editor of Country Life, said: "The quality of entries for the Country Life Awards has been uplifting. Country Life in association with Waitrose is delighted to be celebrating those who keep countryside culture alive. "

Mark Price, Managing Director of Waitrose added: "The Country Pub of the Year celebrates the role of the pub in a rural community. There have been some outstanding entries."

The winners will be announced in the 11 November issue of Country Life magazine.