THE Royal Oak Inn at Swallowcliffe near Tisbury has been shortlisted for the Outstanding New Hotel of the Year award.

The Independent Hotel Show awards ceremony will be held at the London Olympia on Tuesday, October 18.

The Royal Oak was selected as a finalist by a panel of judges that included Peter Hancock, Pride of Britain Hotels chief executive; Zoe Monk, the editor of Boutique Hotelier; and Richard Fraiman, the chief executive of The Good Hotel Guide.

It opened its doors exactly one year ago in September 2015 and it has become a bustling community hub and destination for both locals and visitors.

The previously derelict pub was renovated and now boasts a new oak room, six luxurious rooms and a bar with designer furniture by local artisan carpenter Matthew Burt.

Chef patron Mark Treasure says he is immensely proud of his hard working and dedicated staff and his talented kitchen chefs.

He said: “I am absolutely thrilled to bits with our nomination.

“We are up against some really established names which is stiff competition so we are happy to simply just be in the mix.

“This nomination is true testament to the hard work, incredible talent and constant smiles of my team here at The Royal Oak Inn.”

Director Jeremy Little added: “We simply wanted to make a pub where people leave happier than when they arrived.”

Mark will be attending the award ceremony next months and is really thrilled that the Royal Oak Inn has been recognised by leading figures in the industry.