A PICTURESQUE inn nestled on the banks of the River Test has been named the pub of the year. 

The Mayfly, at Fullerton, has become the 2022 winner of the Griffin Trophy, the annual competition between Fuller's 208-managed pubs and hotels and 178 tenanted inns.

Lying in a picturesque weirside spot between Stockbridge and Romsey, customers travel from far and wide to enjoy delicious pub meals, a diverse range of drinks, nearby fly-fishing spots, and walking and cycling routes.

READ MORE: New Forest pub The Drift boasts roaming ponies and play park

The pub’s manager, Darren Felvus, has been at The Mayfly since 2018 and, under his watchful eye, the pub has gone from strength to strength, undergoing an extensive refurbishment in 2020.

Head Chef, Michal Kulakowski has created a delicious menu with favourites including Owton's sirloin steak, Chalcroft Farm burger and chalk stream trout fillet.

Twelve pubs reached the final of the contest and were each visited by a judging panel for the chance to win a £5,000 holiday voucher, a staff party to celebrate, and the coveted Griffin Trophy itself.

Hampshire Chronicle:

Michael Turner, Fuller’s Chairman, said: "This is a well-deserved triumph. The customer service we received was impeccable, friendly, welcoming, and attentive. It was a delight to watch the team as they provided such great service to all the customers."

Darren Felvus added: "I am over the moon! Last year, we were the category winner and my team and I were determined to do even better this time.

"I’m really proud of the team – they are all hard workers so it’s great to see this pay off.

"I’ll find the best spot in the pub to proudly display the Griffin Trophy."

Hampshire Chronicle:

Next up at The Mayfly is 'panto at the pub' 

The Bridge House Theatre Company will delight audiences with its performance of Mother Goose – an Easter-themed pantomime perfect for all the family - on Wednesday, April 5 at 5pm.

This colourful extravaganza will also be hosted by The King Charles in Winchester on Saturday, April 8 at 2pm and The Bear of Burton in Christchurch on Wednesday, April 12 at 3pm.

The show will be full of humour for all ages, and centres around Mother Goose and her silly son Billy who are down on their luck. A kindly fairy, seeing how much Mother Goose does for her local community, decides to help her and sends them the answer to all of their problems in the form of Priscilla – a goose that lays golden eggs.

Hampshire Chronicle:

  • The Mayfly is our pub of the week. We love writing about Hampshire watering holes, whether they're back street boozers or inns set in acres. If you'd like us to feature your pub, click on the link below, visit dailyecho.co.uk/pub-of-the-week or email lorelei.reddin@dailyecho.co.uk