CREATING a pub atmosphere that appealed to everyone has led a Honiton business to reach the final of a national industry award.
CREATING a pub atmosphere that appealed to everyone has led a Honiton business to reach the final of a national industry award.
The Railway, in Queen Street, is vying for the national title of Best Freehouse, having already won the title for the West Country.
Licensees Michael and Sue Jeffries have run the business with daughter Melanie and son-in-law Jean, since May 2008.
Mr Jeffries said when they took on the run-down establishment they wanted to create a pub that they would want to visit.
He said: "We have tried to put a new twist on the business. There was a market for a traditional family pub, although we do not wish to exclude anyone.
"We want to appeal to a cross-section of people and felt there was a niche for this style and, to date, it has been very successful."
The pub will be up against seven other regional winners for the national title, and will find out the result on Wednesday, September 9.
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