A COUPLE, who bought a derelict village pub on the Worcestershire/Herefordshire border nearly two years ago, have seen their dream to save it from permanent closure exceed all expectations.

The Baiting House at Upper Sapey, near Martley, which was given a major refurbishment before reopening nearly 18 months ago, has now been included in the Good Food Guide for the first time.

Earlier this year it was awarded the prestigious two AA rosettes for its food and an AA four start silver award for accommodation.

Villagers Andrew Corthwaite and his wife Kate Lane acquired the pub in October 2015 and embarked on a mission to recreate the sort of local hostelry they would enjoy visiting with an inviting atmosphere, good quality food and a bit of character. They also planned to offer a small number of luxury en-suite bedrooms.

The couple set about refurbishing the premises with rewiring, re-plumbing, kitchen improvements and extending the bar. “It cost more to refurbish it than buy it,” said Andrew, who had no previous knowledge of the pub industry.

The new owners also appointed Tim Lawson as general manager and Charles Bradley, formerly of Michelin starred restaurant Mr Underhills in Ludlow, took over as head chef.

The effort paid off and, largely through word of mouth, the customers – both locals and visitors – and the accolades started to come in.

“In two years it has gone from a derelict closed pub to having two AA rosettes and an entry in the Good Food Guide. We are slightly pinching ourselves that it has happened so quickly,” said Andrew.

“A few champagne corks popped when we heard about the Good Food Guide. We could not be happier. It has been a heck of a rollercoaster ride but mainly good and it has been really good fun.

“We wanted it to be a proper pub with a good atmosphere – we have doubted the size of the bar and we have quiz nights, we have a crib team and the cricket team is based here.

“I think the most rewarding thing about it is that people who have not been here for 15 years say it is so nice to have the pub back. It is a country pub with nice food.

“We just want to do what we do, and hopefully do it well, and if we win awards, that is great.”

Waitrose Good Food Guide Editor Elizabeth Carter described the Baiting House as: "A proper local for modern times. There’s a decent, well-stocked bar with county beers and ciders on tap.

“Fish and chips and homemade soup are the favourite choices for weekday lunches. The kitchen steps up in the evening, with pork belly with chorizo, and smoked mackerel and salmon pate.

“Make sure you book for Sunday lunch, where beetroot and goat’s cheese salad and a roast or two, followed by sticky toffee pudding, are the order of the day."

Other Worcestershire entries in the latest Good Food Guide, published on Monday September 4, include The Venture Inn at Ombersley; The Inn at Welland; Safforns Bistro, Worcester; Belle House, Pershore; Russells of Broadway; and the Jockey Inn at Baughton, near Upton-upon-Severn.

• The Good Food Guide is the UK’s longest-running restaurant guide and compiled from scratch every year. It does not accept advertising and inspectors’ visits are completely anonymous. The reviews are based on the high volume of feedback from readers about each establishment, as well as the inspections.

• Anyone who feels a restaurant is deserving of inclusion can complete an online form or email the editor at editors@thegoodfoodguide.co.uk

• The Baiting House also offers luxury self-contained accommodation in lodges just a short distance from the pub. These have been selected as finalists for the Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards 2017