The George Inn Croscombe near Wells is Rural Pub of the Year

The George Inn, in Croscombe, has been serving the local community for over 400 years.

Husband and wife duo Peter and Veryan have been at the helm of the inn since the year 2000, and in their 24 years as owners have 'sympathetically refurbished' the building, making it more open-plan and also entirely wheelchair accessible.The building's history is made immediately obvious when stepping inside. (Image: Jamie Grover, Newsquest)

"People enjoy that they get a friendly welcome," Peter said.

"We try to greet everybody like equals - everybody's welcome.

"That's the way a traditional village pub should be."

Inside The George, you'll find a roaring fireplace, a large main bar, a family room and a separate dining room area, not forgetting the external skittle alley and stunning beer garden complete with swings for the kids to enjoy.The fireplace in the cosy 'snug' area adds to the already welcoming atmosphere. (Image: Jamie Grover, Newsquest)

The highlight of the array of draught beers and ciders to choose from is the 'King George the Thirst' amber ale, which is brewed exclusively for the George Inn to sell, and has sold over 200,000 pints since first being stocked 20 years ago.

"That beer is exclusive to the pub, it's our most popular beer," Peter said.

Also behind the bar is a selection of guest ales, with creations from Exmoor Ales and Wookey Brewing Co currently on offer.Just some of the draught beers and ciders on offer at the George Inn. (Image: Jamie Grover, Newsquest)

Homemade food is also a hit among those who visit, with a range of traditional pub dishes served alongside frequently changing specials - the steak and ale shortcrust pie being the most popular choice, alongside the fish and chips.

Veryan, who is a trained chef, has trained the pub's current chef, Ollie, since he began working at the inn as a teenager 12 years ago - he was even once named apprentice of the year.

His mother, Alison, also plays a big role in helping out behind the bar.The dining room area's walls are adorned with artwork from two local artists. (Image: Jamie Grover, Newsquest)

Speaking on being named CAMRA's Rural Pub of the Year for a third time, Peter said: "It's great, we put a lot of work and effort in that's not seen by people."

"They (CAMRA) want places that are friendly - their values overlap with ours."

The George has four rooms available to let as part of its bed and breakfast service, for those who want to extend their stay or who are visiting from afar.

Peter and Veryan have also taken on the Croscombe Village Shop, which now runs inside the pub alongside an Evri Parcelshop.

Peter explained that although Croscombe is situated between Shepton Mallet and Wells, their shop is the only true local option for those needing to pick up necessities when in a hurry.A look inside the shop area which is situated inside the pub. (Image: Jamie Grover, Newsquest)

"We at least have a service for people in the village," he said.

The shop, although small, stocks a range of goods, including locally produced butter, cheese, and milk, plus bread from Shepton Mallet bakery Denela's.

Twice this year, the George has suffered from flood damage due to the River Sheppey bursting its banks, something which the people of Croscombe have been forced to become accustomed to.A look at part of the pub's large beer garden. (Image: Jamie Grover, Newsquest)

Peter reminisced on how locals from the village and those from further afield came to his and Veryan's aid to clear the water when they realised the pub had flooded.

"The locals are fantastic," he said.

"It's a lovely community where people dip in and help each other.

"I had people from Shepton helping, one man from Clevedon even came.

"We're very fortunate to have that support."