The Appletree in bloom (From Gazette & Herald)

The Appletree in bloom

A VILLAGE pub famed for its top nosh has been crowned customer service pub of the year. The Appletree Country Inn, at Marton, near Pickering, beat off thousands of pubs up and down the country in the annual publican awards.

Licensees Melanie Thornton and Trajan Drew said they were stunned at carrying off the trophy after moving to the pub just a year ago.

Melanie said: "We went down to the awards presentation in London with the other finalists, but we had no idea we'd win. We were fairly gobsmacked - I couldn't even get up from my seat to collect the trophy at first because I was so surprised."

The Appletree Country Inn, which held a gourmet evening centred around chocolate in every course last summer, was praised by a set of judges for the enthusiasm and professionalism of its staff.

Mystery visits to the pub were carried out by secret judges intent on getting a real feel for the place. Melanie said: "We train our staff so well because we feel there should be attention to detail.

"It's not just about the food, but about everything to do with a customer's visit."

She added: "We have had an absolutely brilliant first year here, we have really turned things around and it has been pretty amazing."

Updated: 09:40 Thursday, April 04, 2002