A PUB which was opened two years, making use of an old Grade II listed building, has been shortlisted for the Best Turnaround Pub at the prestigious Great British Pub Awards.

The Vicarage, off Knutsford Road, was the first property in the Flat Cap Hotel portfolio and is a former 16th Century coaching inn and vicarage.

Previously a derelict site, Flat Cap Hotels began the refurbishment with a blank canvas and completed a full-restoration of the Grade II listed property.

In 2015, The Vicarage re-opened as a country pub, restaurant and hotel with 20 en-suite bedrooms, bar, games room, outdoors terrace, chef’s garden and a library function room for up to 100 guests.

With 17 categories, The Great British Pub Awards recognises the best pub operators in the country and is one of the industry’s most sought-after accolades.

The Best Turnaround Pub category recognises the pubs that have best turned their business around over the past 12 months. The Vicarage was shortlisted to win the award, up against six other pubs across the UK.

Speaking at the awards evening, Oliver Heywood, co-founder of Flat Cap Hotels, said: “I am extremely proud and excited to be shortlisted for the award. Over the last two years my brother and I have worked tirelessly to turnaround The Vicarage, restoring the beautiful property and reinstating it back into the community.

“We are thrilled to have been recognised for our hard work and determination over the past few years and everyone that has been involved in the journey with us.”

The concept behind Flat Cap Hotels is to acquire buildings of historical prevalence and heritage into premium unique venues.

The Courthouse is the second property acquired by Flat Cap Hotels and re-opened its doors this summer. The former Knutsford Crown Courts was left derelict in 2010 when the Ministry of Defence moved local proceedings to Crewe. Flat Cap Hotels have embarked on the renovation of the stunning Georgian building designed by famed architect, George Moneypenny.

The Courthouse aims to establish itself as one of the leading event spaces in the north west with the Court Room providing a capacity of 250 guests. Barristers Restaurant and Bar is open to the public, with the rooftop gardens and 10 bedrooms to open before the end of the year.