AFTER months of public voting, The Argus Pub Of The Year has been crowned.

The Cobden Arms in Cobden Road, Brighton, is the proud owner of the title after topping the polls.

It received a total of 1,993 votes from loyal customers.

Argus editor Arron Hendy and Bharat Lukka, commercial brand manager for the paper’s owner Newsquest, visited the pub to hand over the trophy – and try a little of its hospitality for themselves.

The Hanover watering hole was taken over two years ago by Andrea and Shaun Manthorpe – and the pair said they were delighted to have won the award.

Andrea, 52, said: “We couldn’t believe it, to even get shortlisted was amazing.

“I thought people wouldn’t vote, because they don’t really know us.

“We’re up a street surrounded by houses and a bit out of the way.

“When I got the phone call saying we’d won it was unbelievable.”

Andrea believes it is their welcoming atmosphere, traditional roast dinners and clean

facilities that earned them the accolade.

Argus editor Arron Hendy said: “We’re really pleased to be presenting the trophy to The Cobden Arms – it’s well deserved.

“It’s been a very strong competition once again which just goes to show how many great pubs there are in the city.

“I’m sure that those who took part in the vote all have their favourites but The Cobden Arms was a clear winner.

“We hope they go from strength to strength.”

The couple previously owned the Hiker’s Rest in Coldean Lane, Brighton, before deciding they wanted a new challenge.

The couple said that, at the moment, the majority of their patrons do not come from

Cobden Road or the adjacent streets.

However that could soon change as they are planning to host a street party for all their neighbours, a chance for everyone to get to know each other better.

Andrea said: “We only know a few on our road, but it gives us an opportunity to meet us, and us them.

“We want to be able to have people in here who live just along the road.

“They’re giving us a chance and we want to let them know that they are welcome in here.”

The couple also welcome darts fans.

They regularly compete themselves in darts nights across the city and also host them in The Cobden Arms.

Andrea said: “I think we’ve got a really good business and I can see a great future here.

“Come down and give us a try.”