A Somerset pub has been shortlisted to appear on the cover of a guide to Britain’s best boozers.
Candlelight Inn, in Bishopswood near Chard, is among 10 finalists that have been selected to potentially feature on the front of the 2021 Good Pub Guide - a long-running publication which lists and rates thousands of pubs across the UK.
The Somerset venue was chosen after submitting a picture featuring the pub’s Irish Setter Beau.
Owner Mike Rose said: “For us this is a huge accolade to reach the final stages. Even if we don’t win this fantastic competition, we are absolutely delighted to be recognised.
“It is especially important for all pubs across the UK to receive recognition like this as there has been so much uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are remaining positive and working hard to make sure we can re open our doors when all of this is over and everyone is safe and healthy again.”
Candlelight Inn, which is temporarily shut because of the UK’s lockdown rules, is still offering fresh bread deliveries.
It is also accepting wine and beer orders through its suppliers for locals who can’t get out to do shopping, and has donated its vegetable patches to people living in the area.
The pub is working with other venues in the area to hold a Facebook Live quiz night every Wednesday throughout April, too.
Mike added: “We may not be able to serve our customers in reality for a while, but we know that some of our customers are finding the isolation period difficult.
“We feel we have a duty to support our community and we will continue to try and provide help and entertainment as much as we can throughout this period."
The winner will be announced on the Good Pub Guide website later in the year.
Shortlist for 2021 Good Pub Guide cover
Candlelight Inn, Chard
The Churchill Arms, Kensington
The Coach & Horses, SoHo
The Hollybush, Hampstead
The Half Moon, Herne Hill
The Head of the River, Oxford
The Hind's Head, Aldermaston
The Mill, Elstead
The Ship, Langstone
The White Buck, Burley
