A Hertfordshire pub has been named among the top five country pubs nationwide for the second year running.

The Elephant and Castle off Amwell Lane, near Wheathampstead, was shortlisted for the category in the Great British Pub Awards 2023.

It has also been put up for the ‘best pub garden’ award.

Herts Advertiser: The Elephant and Castle pub.The Elephant and Castle pub. (Image: The Elephant and Castle pub.)

Managing director Nick Farr told the Watford Observer: “These are the Oscars for the hospitality trade and we are honoured and humbled by the whole thing.

“We’ve worked hard to ensure that our pub has everything any visitor wants – from fantastic Farr Brew ales, to huge wine lists, lovely food all locally sourced.”

Herts Advertiser: The Elephant and Castle pub.The Elephant and Castle pub. (Image: The Elephant and Castle pub.)

He also pointed to having play areas for kids and “beautiful” tipis for events.

“We have had this pub for three years and consider ourselves so lucky to be the current custodians of this beautiful place,” he added.

The pub is a 25-minute drive from Abbots Langley and just over half an hour from Watford.

Herts Advertiser: The Elephant and Castle pub.The Elephant and Castle pub. (Image: The Elephant and Castle pub.)

The winners will be announced on September 19 at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester.

The Elephant and Castle has a 4/5 rating on Tripadvisor, with 120 'excellent' or 'very good' reviews out of 160.

Herts Advertiser: The Elephant and Castle pub.The Elephant and Castle pub. (Image: The Elephant and Castle pub.)

Herts Advertiser: The Elephant and Castle pub.The Elephant and Castle pub. (Image: The Elephant and Castle pub.)

Herts Advertiser: The Elephant and Castle pub.The Elephant and Castle pub. (Image: The Elephant and Castle pub.)