A MOBBERLEY pub picked up a top award to beat off a host of rivals - including its 'big sister' - at an awards ceremony this week.

The Church Inn in Mobberley won the 'Chairman's choice' Best Dining Pub Award for South Manchester at the 'Eat, Drink, Sleep' Awards 2015 and in so doing, pipped its ‘sister’ pub, the Bulls Head, also in Mobberley.

The 'Eat, Drink, Sleep' Awards 2015 took place at the Manchester Mercure Piccadilly Hotel and the Bulls Head and Church Inn pubs were up against each other in the same category.

Barry Lawlor the landlord at the Bulls Head was the first to congratulate Simon Umpleby of the Church Inn and his team.

Barry said: "They've done a cracking job and I am delighted for them at least one of us won the accolade.

"This will make the Bully team even more determined to beat our 'little sister pub' the Church Inn next time round!"

Simon added: "I am really chuffed for the Church team and the customers.

"It's been a solid start since opening a year and a half ago and I am very proud and feel a little sorry for Barry- but not really!"

Owners Tim Bird and Mary McLaughlin were there to cheer both their pubs on and what a night for the village of Mobberley with two pubs from the same village up for the award.

Tim added: "It is always so exciting to be nominated for an award without entering anything and for both our Mobberley pubs to be nominated was a great achievement for all our fantastic people from our pub teams to our loyal and supportive customers and suppliers."

Mary said: "We have been in Mobberley now for just over five years with the Bulls Head and have so enjoyed it becoming a proud pub in the village.

"We took on the Church Inn two years ago when it had closed down and we knew it was going to be hard to create a second special pub in the village but we are on our way.

"The teams at both pubs have made this possible with the help of course from our customers. This award is for everyone to celebrate."