CORNWALL officially has the best pub in the country.

The Peterville Inn in St Agnes won gold in the pub of the year category at the National Tourism awards.

Host Alex Polizzi presented the annual VisitEngland awards to the best in the country at a glittering event held at Titanic Hotel in Liverpool.

My Cottages in St Ives was awarded silver in the self-catering accommodation of the year category.

The PIG at Harlyn Bay received bronze in the small hotel of the year category.

Nominations for the national awards were put forward as part of the South West Tourism Excellence awards at Exeter University in March, following completion of the Dorset, Cornwall, Bristol, Bath and Somerset and Devon tourism awards.

Since then nominees have been through a further round of national judging leading to the announcement of national winners.

Robin Barker from South West awards organisers Services for Tourism, said: “It was a delight to share in the success of an astounding group of tourism businesses.

“Their commitment to excellence, sustainability, accessibility and customer service is a testament to their whole teams, whether managers, front of house staff, cleaners or volunteers.”

Co-director Nell Barrington added: “It was a privilege to be able to share in the celebrations with these passionate businesses, all of them showcasing the very best aspects of the region.”

The 2023/24 awards are currently open for entry with a deadline of June 23. 

South West businesses are encouraged to enter in their county schemes, with the chance of going on to national success.