Real ale lovers declare The Sportsman in Croxley Green as pub of the year

She said: "We are absolutely thrilled - it was not something I was expecting at all, having been here such a short time.

"We have been very lucky that all the punters have been so welcoming here. There's a lot of regulars but we are getting quite a few new people, too.

"They seem to really enjoy trying the different ales instead of a standard pint of lager, and I think that's because people are becoming interested in more natural products sourced from small breweries."

Since taking over the pub, Tracy and Jason, who are both in their 40s, have introduced six real ales on tap, three of which are permanent and three which change regularly.

Cider lovers are kept satisfied with a real Scrumpy on tap, plus they also stock a selection of bottled Belgian beers.

The couple, who have three children, formerly ran a restaurant and bar in Alicante, Spain, for three and a half years, and before that, a guest house on the Isle of Wight for 11 years.

They will be presented with their official certificate on Friday, June 4, before battling against three other pubs to be judged best overall in Hertfordshire.

The winner will then join other county champions from the East of England in the regional CAMRA competition, in the hope of being named best in the country.

Tracy added: "I am not even thinking about the possibility of winning the national title - we were gobsmacked to have got this award just two years after taking over and it is a lovely surprise to have got this far."

Tracy and Jason will host a beer festival on Bank Holiday Monday (May 31) with upwards of 20 real ales, plus at least five types of real cider and perry.

For more information, visit www.watfordcamra.org.uk.