A BRIGHTON pub has been named the best place in the country to drink gin.

The Office in Sydney Street in North Laine is famous for its selection of gins and was named Best Spirit Pub at the Great British Pub Awards.

Judges were wowed by The Office’s impressive selection of 48 gins, the staff’s expert knowledge and the regular tasting sessions for gin aficionados. The judges described The Office as the “best place to drink gin in the country”.

Manager Sarah Hale was also praised for teaming up with a local baker to offer customers with a sweet tooth gin-and-tonic cakes.

Sarah said: “We are incredibly happy to have won. At The Office we are always finding new ways to make our customers love gin as much as we do from our homemade G & Teas to our specialty gin cocktails and tasting sessions.

“We would like to say a big thank you to our lovely Brighton customers and our wonderful bar team for making The Office a winner.”

Rob Willock, editor of awards organisers the Publican’s Morning Advertiser, said: “Sarah and her team at The Office thoroughly deserve the title of Best Spirits Pub 2014.

“The judges were really impressed with the impressive range and quality of gin served at the bar. The Office has established itself as the number-one place to drink gin in the country.

“The Great British Pub Awards celebrate the cream of the crop in the pub trade and the winners should serve as an inspiration to pubs throughout the country.”

Will Cheeseman, area manager for pub company Pleisure, which owns The Office, added: “Their gin range is second to none and the knowledge and enthusiasm of the management and staff is infectious.

“It’s nice to get recognised for something we are really proud of.”

The Office’s most popular drink is an elderflower gin cup – Portobello Road gin mixed with St Germain elderflower liqueur, topped up with soda and garnished with mint and cucumber.