…in Ruddington!”
The latest accolade for The Ruddington Arms on Wilford Road came at last night’s (15th June) Nottinghamshire Food & Drink Awards 2017 run by The Nottingham Post. It’s another gong to add to a shelf full of awards since the historic “Jolly Farmers Inn” was rebranded and reopened in April 2014 by current owners Mark and Sarah Anderson following a £250,000 makeover. 
This transformed a failing venue into an attractive, modern gastropub with a 50 seat restaurant area – but one which still welcomes locals who just wish to pop in casually to sample one of their four hand-pulled ales, enjoy a glass of wine or even just have a frothy coffee.
For these awards nominations were sought from the Nottinghamshire public in 12 different categories “to celebrate the wealth of restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars that the city and county have to offer and to reward those whose culinary skills and drinks menus are putting Nottinghamshire on the map.” The Best Public House category was looking for “…a unique British institution that promotes a sense of conviviality and community with a great range of beers and other drinks.”
From 8000 nominations, for over 300 different venues, the judging panel then met and shortlisted to a final three for each category. The Ruddington Arms was on that shortlist along with The Hand and Heart and The Embankment. Finally ‘Mystery Diners’ – in the form of the panel of judges – visited the three establishments to make their final choices.
Last night, at a glittering awards ceremony at the East Midlands Conference Centre, hosted by restaurant critic Jay Rayner, The Ruddington Arms discovered it had won the prestigious Nottingham Post award. A Facebook post reads: “We are sooo proud! Thank you to all our fabulous customers, our team and our suppliers. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
Well done to Mark, Sarah and all the team!
