A POPULAR pub has been acclaimed for its excellent service after being put to the test in a national mystery customer scheme.

The Vine at Hannington won the award in the scheme run by Punch Taverns and judged by national beer and customer experience quality watchdog Cask Marque.

The pub was first assessed on how regularly it cleans its beer lines before a mystery assessor visited, judging the venue on first impressions, customer service, drink quality, food experience and general cleanliness.

After passing the mystery visit test, the pub’s cellar standards were checked.

Licensee Mandy Yellen said: “We are extremely pleased to have won the award.

“We have had the pub for two years now and we have worked hard to achieve the high standards set by the award. We aim to give the best customer experience by providing efficient service in a friendly, relaxed environment.”

Andy Slee, who heads central operations at Punch Taverns, said: “The Vine is a fantastic example of a pub which delivers a brilliant customer experience, and we’re delighted to recognise Mandy and her team’s hard work and dedication.”