A PICTURESQUE country pub in Dorset has been named the Fever-Tree G&T Pub Garden of the Year.

The Castle Inn, Lulworth, part of Butcombe Brewing Co, reopened in March last year after a three month-long refurbishment which cost between £1m and £1.4m.

Last May saw the launch of the Fever-Tree Gin & Tonic Pub Garden awards to champion and encourage a new era of al fresco drinking hotspots.

In a move away from the days of mainstream lager brands dominating pub gardens with branded umbrellas and ash trays, Fever-Tree provided 600 pubs and bars with visible garden tools and bespoke menus, alongside online hints and tips on how to improve the aesthetics of the pub garden.

The nationwide search saw hundreds of publicans from across the UK enter the ‘The Fever-Tree G&T Pub Garden 2018’ competition, resulting in a rigorous selection process amongst a selection of strong candidates, which included groups such as Greene King, Mitchell & Butler and Fuller’s.

Fergus Franks, Fever-Tree On Trade Marketing Manager comments: “The Castle Inn did a fantastic job of using the Fever-Tree kit, raising their profile by transforming their pub garden into the ultimate Gin & Tonic arena. They built a fantastic looking Gin & Tonic bar and erected a hand painted Fever-Tree pairing wheel, revamping their garden space. In addition, they hosted a series of events across the summer, giving their customers an opportunity to enjoy their favourite tipple in true Fever-Tree style.”

David Hargreaves-Putt, General Manager at The Castle Inn, commented on the accolade:

“We were thrilled to learn that The Castle Inn has been crowned Fever-Tree’s Pub Garden of the Year, particularly as it’s just 12 months since we opened doors for the first time following the inn’s complete transformation. The team have worked incredibly hard over the past 12 months to ensure our beautiful outdoor space is as welcoming, relaxing and as fun to be in as possible. The addition of The Gin Shed in the garden, which stocks over 50 gins and the full range of complimenting Fever-Tree tonics, has made our garden a destination in its own right; a place that our local residents, tourists and hotel guests can kick back and relax in this honey pot location of Lulworth. We really think it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing G&T (or just T!) in the sunshine, and welcome one and all to come and check it out for themselves now that the warmer weather is (hopefully) here to stay.”

Fever-Tree will be re-launching the G&T Garden campaign in 2019, partnering with some of the UK‘s largest operators as well as regional groups and stand out independents, with fantastic outside spaces.