TWO watering holes have been named amongst the best in the country in the Great British Pub Awards.

The Griffin, in Parsonage Street, Halstead, was selected as a national finalist in the Best Beer Pub category, while The Five Bells in Colne Engaine was a finalist in the Best Family Pub category.

Both are owned by Darren and Caroline Lingley and managed by Gilly Ryan works.

The Griffin was up against five other pubs, and despite not claiming top spot the team were over the moon to be selected.

Gilly Ryan, bar manager, said: “We are all really proud.

“It is a huge achievement, and the judging is very tough, so we were just delighted to be included.

“The owners only bought The Griffin in 2012, and it was in a bit of a dire state, so to have the success that we have had since then is amazing.

“Personally I am a huge beer fan, and picking the different beers we have on offer is one of my favourite parts of the job, so to be recognised as one of the top beer pubs in the country is a great feeling.”

Much like the Griffin, The Five Bells did not claim top spot, but could not be disappointed with being named in the top six family pubs in the country.

Gilly added: “We try so hard to have a friendly and welcoming attitude in the Five Bells, and we hope reaching the finals means that is working.

“We all love people, and are really passionate, and that is key to running a family pub.

“Every member of staff here talks to children when they come in, make sure they enjoy their food, and makes sure they are happy playing, little things like that go a long way.

"I have to say thank you to the teams at both pubs, they are all fantastic.”