Two Heston residents have received a national award after reviving local pub the Rose & Crown.

Less than 18 months after taking on the pub in Heston Road, John Corbett and Natasha Gleeson have trumped competition from around the country to win the Newcomer of the Year Award.

The licensees of the Rose & Crown took home the prestigious award in a ceremony celebrating the nation's best pubs, run by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars.

Lifelong Heston residents Mr Corbett and Ms Gleeson “remembered the pub in its heydey” and had been saddened to see the village lose an “important community hub”.

When the pub became available last year, John gave up his career in marketing and sales and the couple took it on in a bid to “restore it to its former glory”.

“We're humbled and flattered to be recognised,” Mr Corbett said.

“Our customers and staff are over the moon too and should take a share in the award - we couldn't have won it without their support.

“We've had days when the whole garden has been full of families, this was our vision for the Rose & Crown when we set out.

“It has been hard work putting the foundations in place but the positive feedback from residents and this award makes it all worthwhile.”

John Corbett and Natasha Gleeson have taken home Newcomer of the Year Award

Following the refurbishment, judges noted how the pub had been “transformed” from a little-used pub with a “poor reputation” into a “thriving local serving the whole community”.

The licensees have created 11 jobs and the panel commended the staff for their friendliness and contribution to the pub's atmosphere.

The judges also noted how the pub had “given back to the local community”, supporting fundraisers at the local school and church and raising more than £10,000 for good causes this year.

The licensees of the Rose & Crown with Coronation Street star Kym Marsh

The pub received the prize at a gala celebration night in Manchester from Coronation Street star Kym Marsh.

Lawson Mountstevens, the managing director at Star Pubs & Bars, added: “John and Natasha have put the 'great' into 'great British pub' at the Rose & Crown and its revival is down to them.

“Their hard work and commitment have been ceaseless – they have thrown themselves into the pub and the life of the community and reclaimed the Rose & Crown for local residents.”

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