Landlord Graham Lee is delighted after his pub, The Waterfront, was crowned the Gazette’s Pub of the Month.

Mr Lee, 62, has owned the Pewsey Wharf pub since it opened nine years ago.

He said: “We are all ecstatic. I am using the ‘royal we’ because this is for my customers as well – the regulars are what keep us going.

“This is the newest pub in Pewsey and in an age when pubs are closing, we are thriving. It’s because we give the customers what they want, like the all-day breakfasts which are just what the boaters and locals need.”

The Waterfront is at the side of the Kennet and Avon Canal, with views to the ramparts of Martinsell.

Mr Lee said: “The pub is upstairs, which is unusual, and it has an open fireplace so it’s always warm. There are exposed beams and beautiful views which all add to its appeal.”

People who voted for the pub said they did so because of the quality of the beer and the friendly landlord.

Mr Lee said: “I listen to what the customers want, a good landlord must listen.

“We have more than 150 ales a year and if anyone has any suggestions I try to get them in. We also have a real ale club, with 20p off a pint, and there’s also the beer festival every June.”

Next week Carl Games, the former head chef at the Barge, Honeystreet, is opening Carl’s restaurant at The Waterfront and Mr Lee thinks this puts him in a good position to win the Gazette’s Pub of the Year title.

He said: “I’ve been trying to get him here for years and now, finally, it’s happened.

“With him in the kitchen and me at the bar, it’s a winning combination.”

Carl’s will be open all day Wednesday to Saturday and Sunday lunchtime.

Voting for next month’s top pub begins next week.