PATRONS enjoyed a street party to celebrate their local being named The Argus Pub of the Year.

The Cobden Arms in the Hanover area of Brighton won the honour and landlords Shaun and Andrea Manthorpe hosted a street party to welcome their regulars and new customers too.

Neighbours shared the success of the pub as it was packed for the party on Saturday night.

Andrea said the key to the turnaround for the pub has been welcoming everyone as one big family.

The couple took on the pub about 18 months ago and have brought a friendly feel with evenings for pool and darts and popular Sunday roasts.

After months of public votes, the duo were delighted to be crowned as the Argus pub of the year, and Andrea said neighbours have also shared in their success.

She said: “We had an absolutely fantastic night with a great turnout from our neighbours and customers.

“It was really nice as it gave us a chance to meet a few new faces which was lovely. They were really pleased for us to be pub of the year and have seen how hard we all work, including our staff. We are one big happy family, which includes our children.

“We delivered copies of The Argus to our neighbours and the response we have had has been amazing, with lots of great feedback.”

Previously they ran the Hikers Rest pub in Coldean Lane for more than 20 years, and say some of their former patrons there have been happy to switch to the new premises in Cobden Road, off Elm Grove.

But the street party on Saturday gave them the chance to get to meet new friends and potential customers as well.

Andrea said: “The premises is a bit smaller, and everyone who comes in saw it has a really friendly atmosphere.

“We knew it was not a huge pub, so it won’t take lots and lots of money but it has great potential, so we have been delighted to turn it around.

“For its size it is ample, and the community in Hanover have been really lovely and friendly.

“They have been intrigued by us arriving as we are not from the area.”

Last week Argus editor Arron Hendy presented Shaun and Andrea with the trophy. He 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.”

Now Andrea said work is already under way to make sure this Christmas is a success, and she has big plans for the new year in 2019 as well.

She added: “People are pleased to have a pub in their street. It might be a bit out of the way but hopefully more people will come in.

“We have plans for a big street party and barbecue next year.”