Two Brighton pubs have been named among the top 20 in the UK.

The Greys and The Open House were today included in the licensing trade's list of the best 20 pubs in the country, voted by more than 250 industry figures.

Both were considered by judges to belong to an elite group of places combining a near-perfect mix of food, drink and atmosphere and were the only pubs in Sussex to feature.

Staff at The Greys, which came 11th in the list, said they would be enjoying a few drinks to celebrate.

Manager Rick Blow said: "This is obviously very good news. We weren't expecting it at all. In fact, the landlord and landlady are on holiday in Cornwall.

"Their mobiles aren't working so they still don't know. It will be a nice surprise for them when they return."

When licensees Chris Beaumont and Gill Perkins took over last year they decided not to make too many changes to a venue which had already struck a winning formula.

The Greys, in Southover Street, includes the only pub restaurant recommended by Egon Ronay and the AA in Brighton.

The Open House, 20th on the list, is a 15-minute walk from the city centre in Springfield Road. It is decorated with the work of local artists and encourages drama, poetry and band practice.

Barmaid Karen Ofosu, 23, said: "It's fantastic news and testament to how hard the staff work."

The Rose and Crown in Warwick was named best pub in the UK.