Champagne corks were popping at the New Inn in Deal High Street after it was named Mercury Pub of the Year 2010.

kmfm’s Breakfast Show DJ Johnny Lewis celebrated with landlady Debbie Doyle and partner Terry Bailey after handing them a trophy to mark their achievement.

Debbie said she was told of the victory when a regular phoned up after reading it in last week’s Mercury.

The New Inn was one of 15 pubs to enter the competition and readers registered more than 3,000 text votes. More than 100 voting coupons were also sent by pubgoers.

The New Inn is one of Deal’s oldest pubs, having been established in the High Street since 1605.

Traditional elements are still important and home cooked food, prepared by her new chef Tony Suckling is served every day. A Sunday carvery has become hugely popular and with culinary theme nights adding a bit of colour and spice to the menu, it’s no wonder the pub is still such a firm favourite.

Johnny Lewis said: “It’s great to see so many pubs being voted for in the competition, and the number of votes we received goes to show just how important the pub still is to relax, chat to friends and find out what’s going on in the area.

See this week's East Kent Mercury for the full story.