A POPULAR Isle of Wight seafront public house and restaurant has won a county accolade in this year's National Pub and Bar Awards.

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The Old Fort in Seaview won the Best in County category at the recent awards.

Isle of Wight County Press: The Old Fort pub and restaurant in Seaview.The Old Fort pub and restaurant in Seaview. (Image: The Old Fort)

Isle of Wight County Press: The bright and welcoming interior of The Old Fort.The bright and welcoming interior of The Old Fort. (Image: The Old Fort)

Isle of Wight County Press: Sunset over The Old Fort in Seaview.Sunset over The Old Fort in Seaview. (Image: The Old Fort)

As a result, the seaside venue was automatically shortlisted for the Best in Region award and, in the running for the National Pub and Bar of the Year gong.

Winners will be announced at the grand final, which takes place in London on June 26.

Will Simonds, who co-owns The Old Fort, said: “What an incredible honour. We are beyond chuffed, to say the least."

The Old Fort is an iconic landmark in Seaview and the village's only remaining pub.

Lifelong chums, Will and co-owner Justin Evelegh, became the pub's proprietors in July 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic and, in an already precarious economic climate following Brexit.

During their first season alone, The Old Fort attracted 42,000 customers and, in their first year, scooped a 'Best Destination Pub’ and TripAdvisor 'Travellers' Choice Award’.

The pub has gone to win a clutch of other awards.

Having reinvested £350,000 into sprucing up the business since taking over the reins, the pair went into it with a simple philosophy — to create "a proper pub, serving proper food, offering a friendly, comfortable and cosy atmosphere, where everybody’s welcome".

They also said the focus was simple: to serve up unpretentious cooking, using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and done with an 'approachable style of professionalism'.

The Old Fort prides itself on its fresh fish and locally caught crab and lobster — big favourites with their customers, say Will and Justin, cooked up by their new chef, Bam Smith.

Isle of Wight County Press: Head chef Scott Wright preparing meat in The Old Fort kitchen.Head chef Scott Wright preparing meat in The Old Fort kitchen. (Image: The Old Fort)

Isle of Wight County Press:

"We are so incredibly grateful to our epic team who help make us what we are — and without whom, this achievement would simply not have been possible," added Will.

"Our team's continued hard work, energy, drive and dedication have truly put us on the map and made us a true destination pub for locals and visitors alike.”

Justin echoed Will's sentiments.

“There really was some stiff competition out there, which just goes to show hard work pays off," he said. 

"This really is quite an achievement for our once sleepy, seasonal, seaside pub."