Anchor Inn is Visit England pub of the year 2017

Visit England Tourism Pub of the Year

The Anchor Inn at Seatown have won the Visit England Tourism Pub of the Year, drawing praise from across the industry.

The national award recognises the pub that has raised the profile and importance of the tourism industry and offers an exceptional experience to visitors.

Visit England Chief Executive Sally Balcombe said: ‘The awards shine a spotlight on an industry driven by the highest calibre people and organisations who deliver unforgettable experiences for visitors, raising the profile of England as a world-class destination and driving the economic benefits of tourism across the regions.

‘Awards for Excellence finalists exemplify outstanding tourism talent and distinguished businesses throughout England. We received over 600 truly impressive applications this year and there’s absolutely no doubt that the finalists represent the very best in the industry.’

SIBA Managing Director, Mike Benner, said: ‘SIBA would like to congratulate The Anchor and its owners Palmers Brewery on winning this prestigious tourism award. A traditional English pub is still top of tourists’ must-visit list and where could be better than The Anchor, which is still going strong after 160 years of serving fantastic British-brewed beer.’

The British Beer and Pub Association has also congratulated the pub. Chief Executive, Brigid Simmonds, said: “Beer and pubs are vital to tourism in the UK, and tourists make around 600 million visits to pubs each year. Pubs are a beacon of hospitality, and are constantly evolving their food and drink options, so it’s no wonder that, when visiting the UK, tourists place visiting a pub as third on their list of things they would most like to do.’

Winning the Tourism Pub of the Year is the latest in a long line of awards including Dorset Gastropub of the Year, National Pub & Bar County Winner and reaching the final stages of the BII Licensee of the Year competition.

John Palmer, Chairman & Managing Director said: ‘Palmers are immensely proud of all that Paul and his team have achieved over the last twelve months. The Anchor is one of the South West’s top destination pubs which draws visitors to West Dorset from far and wide.’