A small cafe bar has proved it can compete with a the big city boys after landing the UK’s Best Craft Beer Bar title.

The Cove Cafe Bar in Hope Cove beat off some stiff competition to pick up a national award as the top craft beer and brewing businesses gathered at the prestigious SIBA Business Awards ceremony in Liverpool last Wednesday.

Big chains such as Waitrose and Wetherspoons were also among the winners at one of the biggest nights in the industry.

Presenting the award for the UK’s best in a rural area, BBC Radio 2’s Nigel Barden said: “The Cove proves that you don’t need to be in a city centre to do craft beer well and make a success of it.

“Their craft keg range is well chosen, exciting and eclectic - featuring the UK’s most popular craft beer brewers alongside smaller local producers and regional favourites.

“Judges liked how The Cove struck a balance between modern beers and a welcoming, approachable environment that would appeal to all - a perfect example of how great beer is all about creating a great atmosphere.”

Originally starting out as a family team of husband, wife and mum in the kitchen in 2014, the business now has over 20 staff and has expanded to two floors with a sea facing balcony.

“When we first started putting these kind of IPAs and pales on, people thought it was crazy in a place like Hope Cove,” said owner Toby Robinson.

“But it works and alongside great food, live music and sport, it’s helped to establish us as a vibrant, hot spot in the South Hams.

“We were over the moon to reach the final four but to go on and win it and see Hope Cove as the home to the UK’s Best Craft Beer bar is something else!

“Lot’s of people bang on about destination venues but the destination is only as good as the people in it and we’ve lucky to have such good support in the area.”