A village pub has been recognised as one of the top 100 places in the UK for dining outside.

Owner of The Thomas Egerton pub Josh Lee said that when he took over the business in 2019 one of his main focal points was the quality of table service.

And when Covid hit outdoor dining become popular and continues to be a hit with people.

He said: “It feels fantastic to be recognised, we just do what we do.

“We are very fortunate to have that space.

The Bolton News:

“We have always had the outside area, but I think Covid has helped us recognise what space we do have and deliver after Covid.

“People’s expectations have relaxed now, but we still provide table service in the garden when the weather is good, but we are very flexible whether people eat in or out.”

Josh puts the recognition down to the quality of products on offer with quality chef Rob Nelson, the level of service, and the atmosphere.

He added: “We have encouraged quality customers and don’t tolerate unruly behaviour.

“It is a calm and sophisticated environment where there are no problems with any customers.

“People can relax and enjoy food, and afterwards they can enjoy live music or an event.

The Bolton News:

“There are a lot of different areas with heated huts, it’s floral and a very versatile area.”

Lauren Colgan – who was enjoying a drink in the heated area outside – said: “It’s lovely in the summer and great to meet your friends or family because there are lots of different areas to go.”

The pub has been identified on OpenTable’s annual list, which is based on research revealing that more than half (52 per cent) of UK diners prefer to dine outdoors during the summer, with pub gardens cited as the most sought-after venues for alfresco dining (65 per cent), followed by waterfront restaurants (42 per cent).

Josh also says that they work hard with those in the community to make sure the outside area is neighbour friendly, meaning that they close the outside area at 10pm.

Josh said: “We are very aware of our neighbours because we are in very residential area.

“I am not in it for the accolades; it’s just what I enjoy and have done since 17.

“We have got a full community in the village, and we support each other.

“We did during Covid, and we do now.”

The pub is also undergoing work to make their kitchen bigger, which will allow them to increase the size of their menu, which is anticipated to be completed by summer/spring next year.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.