The Bell in Sussex has been named as the best pub in the UK

The Bell in Ticehurst picked up the title of Pub of The Year in The Times and Sunday Times best places to stay list.

The independent pub is well known for its unusual decor that features mismatched vintage wallpaper and tenor horns for urinals.

The pub has seven guest rooms each with a name instead of a number, and features including copper bathtubs.

The venue was renovated in 2011

The Bell’s general manager, Howard Canning said: “We are jumping for joy! This is recognition of our team’s efforts to go above and beyond a regular pub with rooms.

"It has taken a while, but we have managed to balance the needs of our local community whilst welcoming visitors from near and far who can embrace our unique pub culture.”

Pubs across the country have faced uncertainty for months as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

In March, Boris Johnson signalled the beginning of lockdown, ordering the closure of all pubs, clubs and restaurants across the UK, in order to stem the spread of the virus.

Almost four months later, pubs, restaurants, hairdressers were allowed to reopen but with strict social distancing rules in place.

Pubs are legally required to take customers' contact details so they can be traced if there is an outbreak.

However, The Bell made the most of the uncertainty by taking catering alfresco - building a potting shed and cooking on an industrial-sized barbecue.

It is now running socially distanced creative courses in calligraphy, oil painting, lampshade design, drawing and lino printing.

The venue has also been creative with implementing social distancing restrictions, by building a perspex screen painted with caricatures of locals - and a beer hand pump for hand sanitiser.

Duncan Craig, travel editor of The Times and Sunday Times, said: “The annual Sunday Times Best Places to Stay guide, featuring the very best British hotels, has become the gold standard of the industry over the past "It's a tribute to this thriving sector that even in this most challenging of years, we've seen a raft of exciting new openings, as well as established names upping their games.

"Whatever style of getaway you're looking for, in whatever region, you can be sure of a welcoming and safe place to stay.

"We’re delighted that our reviewers have selected The Bell as one of our best hotels in the country.”