Two Norfolk establishments have been named among the best in the country at a ceremony dubbed the 'pub Oscars'.

The Great British Pub Awards 2024 took place on Tuesday evening in Manchester.

There was a great representation from Norfolk, with four finalists from the county selected after a rigorous judging process.

The Angel at Watlington and The Kings Head Inn in Brooke narrowly missed out on a trophy as the best for food and sustainability, respectively. 

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No. Twenty9 Bar and Restaurant team members at the awards - L-R Dan Hutchinson (bar manager), Lydia Falconer (general manager) and Julian Falconer (executive chef)No. Twenty9 Bar and Restaurant team members at the awards - L-R Dan Hutchinson (bar manager), Lydia Falconer (general manager) and Julian Falconer (executive chef) (Image: No. Twenty9 Bar and Restaurant)

The other two won their categories, with The Murderers in Norwich best for sport and No. Twenty9 Bar and Restaurant in Burnham Market the top spot for dogs. 

Phil Cutter, who runs The Murderers with his wife Sherie, said: "I have worked here for 37 years, starting out collecting glasses, and the industry and why people use pubs has changed massively.

"You used to be able to just open the door and people came in but now you have to give them a reason to visit, whether that be food, events or sport.

Phil Cutter, landlord of The Murderers in NorwichPhil Cutter, landlord of The Murderers in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

"I am ecstatic that we have won and it is a testament to what we offer."

The Murderers, which has 14 screens, won the same category at the Great British Pub Awards in 2015.

In 2017, BT Sport gifted The Murderers a life-sized sculpture of Mr Cutter holding a TV remote as their Manager of the Month. 

Elsewhere in Norfolk, No. Twenty9 Bar and Restaurant in Burnham Market has been named the most dog-friendly pub in the country.

Jake Humphrey unveils the statue of Phil Cutter, landlord of The Murderers and BT Manager of the Month in 2017Jake Humphrey unveils the statue of Phil Cutter, landlord of The Murderers and BT Manager of the Month in 2017 (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

It is run by Tim Roberts and Katja Schell who have two dogs of their own - a Boston terrier called Eric and Dolly the English bull terrier.

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They offer a special menu for four-legged friends, pet hampers for overnight stays and Eric and Dolly's dog boutique is located next door. 

Ms Schell said: "All our team love dogs and we are over the moon to win this award.

"We want to make sure that they feel just as welcome as our human guests."