STAFF from the Gazette’s first winning Pub of the Year have visited parliament as part of their prize.

Yvonne Hulbert, landlady at the Rose and Crown in Rangeworthy, along with staff Kelly Iles and Emma Phelps, travelled to Westminster for the day to serve beer in the House of Commons bar.

Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall, who supported the competition which ran last autumn, welcomed the trio to parliament where they enjoyed lunch on the terrace and sat in on an education debate in the Commons chamber with the Secretary of State.

They were given a personalised tour of parliament, visiting the great Westminster Hall and central lobby before taking in the views of London from the roof.

Yvonne brought two local draught beers to promote in the Strangers bar; Hill Climb and Chequered Flag, both by local brewer Prescott.

She said: “We have had an amazing day visiting Luke in the House of Commons. It’s been lovely to see the ins and outs of parliament and I was incredibly proud to see our beers on tap in the Strangers bar.

“The whole experience of winning Pub of the Year has been superb. I am thankful to everyone who works at the pub and especially all the voters who made the day possible.”

The Rose and Crown beat off stiff competition from other local finalists to win the Gazette trophy after receiving more than 350 votes. Yvonne dedicated the award to her late husband Martin, who established the Rose and Crown as a community pub in the village.

Mr Hall said: “I am delighted to welcome Yvonne and her team from the Rose and Crown to Westminster today.

“The pub has some of the best customer service in the area and is a great village pub. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable day and as a local man, I am extremely proud to promote a local ale here in Westminster.”