More than 8,000 votes were cast in a fierce competition to find Leicestershire's favourite pub, with four beloved establishments making the final shortlist. From city centre spots to traditional village locals, each venue brought its own unique character to the LeicestershireLive readers' poll.
The results showed just how passionate locals are about their local pubs, with the top two venues alone racking up more than 6,700 votes between them. Readers were asked to rate their local based on everything from atmosphere to food quality.
The competition revealed the diversity of Leicestershire's pub scene, from The Metal Monocle in Leicester city centre securing 2,568 votes to The Three Tuns in Barlestone earning 564 loyal supporters. The White Hart in Loughborough proved popular with 1,091 votes.
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The Old Hare & Hounds in Anstey emerged triumphant with an impressive 4,182 votes to take the coveted crown. The victory is particularly meaningful for licensee John Munro, who took over the pub in September 2022.
Mr Munro, who lives above the pub, said: "I look at it as I'm welcoming people into my home. I mean, I live upstairs, so it is my home.
"It's my regulars and the locals that make this pub. People come in here to talk. They come in groups, people on their own come in and there's always a conversation going on in the front bar by the fire."
The Marstons pub has become a community hub, according to Mr Munro, who told LeicestershireLive about the regular Royal British Legion meetings and special events hosted at the venue. "We did the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landing last year, which was an absolutely amazing event. I think about a thousand people came through the pub that day," he said.
A spokesperson for Marstons said: "This is fantastic news we are delighted for the John and the team and thank everyone that voted for them."
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