Staff at a pub which opened less than 18 months ago are toasting their success after being selected as among the best in the country

Three Sheets to the Wind in Rochester High Street has won a coveted place in the trade "bible" The 2023 Good Beer Guide.

Since opening last April, the family-run business selling Austrian and Kent beers to reflect their heritage has attracted customers both near and further afield.

And among them have been members of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) which compiles the annual publication judging thousands of licensed premises throughout the UK.

Nina Minhard, her older brothers, Thomas and Patrick and their mum and uncle, Tracy Minhard and Matthew Harrison, began thinking about running their own business last March.

The Minhards have always worked in pubs but never had the chance to run their own.

They wanted to showcase their multi-cultural family background alongside their love for working behind the bar.

"I think Rochester was calling out for a place like this – something a bit different and not part of a big chain..."

Nina, 25, said: "Running one was always something we wanted to do and the pandemic gave us the time to do it."

Patrick added: "Our success has exceeded well beyond our expectations.

"People seem to like the friendly ambience and the outdoor entertainment plays an important part in the package we offer.

"I think Rochester was calling out for a place like this – something a bit different and not part of a big chain."

The hostelry, dating back 600 years and housed in a former antiques shop, serves Austrian Steigl lager on tap in traditional steins.

There's also a wide range of bottled beers and ciders, as well as spirits and wines.

Patrick believes working with his family has helped contribute to their winning formula on their first venture together.

He said: "They like the fact that my mum works behind the bar and we employ our friends who are all trained and know how to care, store and pour our beers."

He described the "hidden gem" of a walled garden, tucked away at the back, as very much part of the package.

With its heated covered patio, it serves as a venue for live bands, stand-up comedian gigs and murder mystery performances.

The name of the pub also reflects the family's sailing hobby and the slang wording for being drunk.

The latest editions of the Good Beer Guide – its 50th – was published at the end of last month.

To be listed in it is a significant achievement for a pub.

The book is based entirely on personal recommendations made by CAMRA members, which are rigorously reviewed by branches and editors.

Recommendations consider beer quality as well as the history and architecture of a pub and various aspects such as food, gardens, family and disabled facilities and special events.

CAMRA does not take any fees for listings to ensure the guide remains independent and unbiased.

CAMRA’s national chairman Nik Antona said: "It is a huge achievement that we’re able to celebrate 50 years of publishing the Good Beer Guide, and a real testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, who undertake the assessments.

"What makes the Guide unique is that all the entries are compiled and vetted by a huge volunteer team based around the country. We work hard to ensure that all areas of the country are covered and, unlike some competitor titles, inclusion in this book is dependent on merit – not on payment.

"The last few years have been an incredibly difficult time for the industry, and we need more support than ever before to keep our nation’s pubs open and thriving. I’d encourage everyone to use this year’s guide to visit the very best pubs across the UK and support them for generations to come."