IT has been a good year for the owners of a Cotswold pub which has been given a coveted place in a pub-goers bible.

The Horse and Groom, in Bourton-on-the-Hill, has been named as Gloucestershire Dining Pub of the Year in the Good Pub Guide 2013.

In the book it was described as a ‘gem’ and a ‘lovely pub’ that ‘never fails to delight’.

Thousands of readers report to the guide on their experiences and the team behind the Good Pub Guide takes the comments into consideration when choosing the award winners.

Tom Greenstock, who has run the pub with his brother Will since 2005, said: “It’s fantastic. It makes my smile even bigger than normal.

“I’ve always enjoyed this industry and what I do.”

The award is the icing on the cake for the pub which was named as ‘pub with rooms of the year 2012’ in the Good Hotel Guide.

Fiona Stapley, of the Good Pub Guide, said: “Although things are looking much brighter for pubs, it’s extremely hard work for the landlords and landladies. Awardwinning pubs have to be at the very top of their game to be chosen.”