We’re absolutely delighted to share some wonderful news with you.
The Fleece Inn has just been crowned Best Pub in the UK at the Countryside Alliance Awards 2025! These prestigious awards, known as the “Rural Oscars,” celebrate businesses that make exceptional contributions to countryside communities across Britain.
Being selected from thousands of pubs nationwide is both humbling and exciting. This award belongs to everyone who has supported us – from our dedicated team to our amazing customers who make The Fleece so special.
The Fleece Inn - Best Pub in the UK 2025
A Community Achievement
This award wouldn’t exist without our loyal customers who return time and again, and whoever nominated us – we may not know who you are but we’re grateful that you took the time to put us forward. Every person who took the time to vote has played a part in this incredible achievement. Your support demonstrates that what we’ve built here in Dolphinholme truly resonates with people.
The Judges' Verdict on Our Award-Winning Pub
The judges’ comments perfectly captured what we’ve been working towards since taking over The Fleece. They recognised us as “everything a rural pub should be: a place of warmth, welcome, and belonging” and described The Fleece as “the heartbeat of its village, part pub, part community lifeline.”
We were pleased at their recognition of our multifaceted role – not just serving drinks and meals, but hosting weekly quizzes, facilitating village group meetings, and operating as the local shop where people can grab their morning paper or have a chat by the fire.
The judges were impressed by Chef Ian’s culinary excellence, highlighting his unwavering commitment to local Lancashire produce and everything made from scratch – right down to honey from our own on-site beehives.
They called The Fleece “a living monument to what can happen when rural enterprise meets love of place” and “a shining example of rural regeneration.” This sums up our decade-long journey of rescuing The Fleece Inn from closure and transforming it into the thriving community hub it is today.
What This Award Means for The Future
This recognition reinforces our commitment to everything that makes The Fleece special. We’ll continue sourcing the finest local ingredients, maintaining our carefully selected range of regional ales, and preserving the welcoming atmosphere that draws people back time and again.
The celebrations so far have been wonderful – Simeon and Tash recently appeared on Radio Lancashire with Graham Liver, sharing our excitement with listeners across the county and discussing what makes rural pubs like ours so vital to community life.
Experience Our Award-Winning Hospitality
Why not come and see what impressed the judges? Join us for a celebratory drink by our roaring log fires, enjoy a meal showcasing the best of Lancashire’s produce, or book one of our comfortable guest rooms for the full Fleece experience.
A Shared Achievement
This Countryside Alliance Award represents something bigger than just business success – it celebrates a community that values what truly matters. We’re very lucky to be part of such a supportive village.
With heartfelt thanks and excitement for what’s ahead,
The Fleece Inn Team