A GREAT Totham watering hole has been named as the Maldon district’s pub of the year.

The Maldon and Dengie Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale has awarded The Compasses with the honour for 2016.

Alex Chambers and Hayley Rogers took over the historic roadside inn in February 2015.

Just six months into their tenure they were recognised as being the most improved pub in the area by CAMRA.

This latest award will be their second within only a year of taking over at the pub.

The Compasses now goes forward to represent Maldon and Dengie in the judging for CAMRA’s Essex Pub of the Year.

Chris Harvey, the Chairman of the Maldon & Dengie Branch of CAMRA, said: “We are delighted to be able to make this award to the Compasses, which was the winner in the vote held by local CAMRA members for their Pub of the Year.

“There is no doubt that they serve their beer in superb condition and they offer an excellent range of beers, most of which come from Essex breweries.

“A range of interesting ciders is also on offer.

“They have also gained an excellent reputation for the home-cooked food. It has become a highly popular venue among the villagers and visitors from further afield.

“Alex and Hayley, have made substantial improvements to the pub since their tenure began and have put their heart and soul into making a success of the business. Long may they continue as the licensees of this excellent pub.”

The pub will be up against strong competition to be named the best in Essex from eight other pubs from across the county, with the Victoria Inn in Colchester, last year’s winner of the award, leading the way.