Harwich's Alma Inn wins pub and guesthouse of the year

The Alma Inn and Dining Rooms in Harwich struck gold in the East of England Tourism Awards.

The historic has become both pub and guesthouse of the year after residents showed their overwhelming support by putting in their nominations.

The glitzy ceremony, which was hosted by ITV News Anglia presenter David Whiteley, took place at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford where businesses were celebrated for their resilience, imagination and growth.

As the regional winners, the Alma Inn will now go on to the finals of the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, with the potential to win the title for the best in the country.

Nick May, 51, who is the owner of the business, said: “I’m ecstatic. We won the Bed and Breakfast award first, which put us on the high.

“I was slightly nervous because I wanted us to win Pub of the Year and I thought they weren’t going to give us two awards.”

Success - owner Nick May, innkeeper Gemma Jacobs and manager Shaz Burwood

But Nick’s business came out on top, a sweet reward for the work he, his wife Vicky, 52, and his daughter Lily May,16, constantly do.

The Alma Inn and Dining Rooms has been at the centre of Harwich life since the 1850s serving ale to the citizens, sailors, soldiers and farmers passing through.

For Nick, it is the diversity that makes his business special.

He said: “We have a good cross section of customers - we have fishermen, farmers, dog walkers and dentists.

“That’s what the essence of a good pub is - it is a dentist talking to a dog walker.

“Our pub represents all the aspects of society mixed up together. “ Now Nick’s family and team are looking forward to going up against other regional winners and hopefully winning the Pub of the Year award for the country.

Nick added: “This award shows we are here for the people but we also put Harwich on the map by attracting tourists and visitors.

“It is a good for Harwich to be recognised like this.”