A COUNTRY pub has been named the regional winner of the Best Destination Pub award in the Muddy Stiletto Awards 2024.

The Mutton at Hazeley Heath won the latest accolade after being crowned Hampshire’s County winner at the National Pub & Bar Awards 2024 just last month. 

This year, the Muddy Stiletto Awards received more than 515,000 nominations across 21 awards categories. So it was a huge achievement and testament to the brilliance of a business simply being shortlisted in it, according to The Mutton's owners.

They believe winning the regional award is therefore a significant achievement and demonstrates The Mutton’s "elevated classic pub charm".

READ MORE: The Mutton at Hazeley Heath National Pub and Bar Awards winner

Basingstoke Gazette: The team at The Mutton in Hook

One of Mutton’s owners, Carole Taylor, said: "We are thrilled to be named a regional winner for Best Destination Pub for Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

"This accolade is a testament to our talented team; everything at The Mutton is done with our customers front of mind, and it’s a delight to be recognised for this. It’s been an exciting start to the year so far, and we can’t wait to see what the rest brings.”

Following this regional win, The Mutton has been automatically put through to the 2024 National Muddy Stiletto Awards.

These will be judged by Muddy Stiletto’s team of experienced editors, and the five successful finalists per category will be shortlisted to go into the National Finals, which will take place on July 4, with the ‘Best of the Best’ winners being crowned on July 11.

Carole added: “It would be an absolute honour to be named a national finalist in the Muddy Stiletto Awards, and we hope to make Hampshire and Isle of Wight proud! In the meantime, we will continue doing what we do best, providing personal uplifting, and memorable experiences for our guests.”