“You’re judged on your beer quality, and Duncan runs the cellar so that’s definitely down to him,” she told the BBC.

“But then it also looks at things like hygiene, the welcome you get from staff, staff’s knowledge…whether or not you’re involved in supporting the local community.”

The pair estimates they had about 30 visits from judges before winning the award, but at the time had no idea they were being judged.

Looking back, Mr Borrowman said the pub “didn’t have a great reputation” when they took it on.

“We saw that it had possibilities,” he said.

Ms Goodlad added that every day at the pub was different.

“We’ve had days where we’ve had media here, and at the same time, I’ve had one customer in who’s had a direct family bereavement.

“At the same time, I’ve had another customer in who’s just had the all clear after surgery and chemo for cancer.

“That’s the thing of a pub, it’s dynamic.”