A GREAT Totham watering hole has fought off the competition to be named Essex pub of the year.

The Compasses in Great Totham has just been voted as the best pub in the county for 2016 by Essex Campaign for Real Ale members.

The voting looks at areas such as beer quality, atmosphere, community focus, service and décor.

The pub, which was only taken over by licensees Alex Chambers and Hayley Rogers in February 2015, fought off stiff competition from seven other pubs from various parts of Essex, which had won their respective area awards.

Alex said: “We’re simply overwhelmed and humbled by the news; it hasn’t really sunk in yet.

“There are so many other good pubs in Essex, it is a real honour to be chosen by CAMRA members to be the best in class.”

Chris Harvey, Chairman of Maldon & Dengie Branch of CAMRA, said: “I’m so pleased for Alex and Hayley.

“They have had a really challenging 15 months since taking over the pub, not least because of the owner’s proposal to build houses on a large part of the pub car park.

“Even with that threat hanging over the pub, Alex and Hayley have transformed what was a very mediocre roadside pub into a real destination for real ale and cider lovers, as well as those who like good food.

“Here’s hoping that they stay at the pub and that it continues to go from strength to strength.”

The Alma Inn in Harwich was runner-up in the competition, with the Victoria Inn in Colchester, which was last year’s winner, in third place.

It is the first time a pub from the Maldon and Dengie area has won the county award since the Swan in Little Totham in 2005.

The award ceremony will take place in the pub within the next couple of months.