A SUFFOLK pub was celebrating yesterday after winning the title of the county's best dining pub in the Good Pub Guide 2009.The Crown in Southwold has beaten off stiff competition in the awards to walk away with the title.

A SUFFOLK pub was celebrating yesterday after winning the title of the county's best dining pub in the Good Pub Guide 2009.

The Crown in Southwold has beaten off stiff competition in the awards to walk away with the title. The Good Pub Guide 2009 is one of the UK's best-selling guide books.

Francis Guildea, general manager for Adnams Hotels which includes The Crown, said: “We are hugely pleased as we were not expecting or anticipating this award as it is completely unsolicited. We knew nothing about it until the letter turned up one morning saying we had won.

“In some ways in is far more gratifying that some other awards that you apply for and it is fantastic news for The Crown. This year we have appointed our new head chef Robert mace who has been doing some fantastic work which we had all recognised internally and it is nice to have that work rewarded externally like this.”

A spokesman for the guide said: “The guide concentrates on pubs that offer all round good value and enjoyment at prices that won't break the bank.

“Accurate, honest and up-to-date information ensures that only the cream of the nation's pubs make the grade. Backed up by countless reader reports, it is the bible for pub-goers and the only truly independent guide of its kind.”