The Rashleigh Arms in Charlestown is celebrating winning the ultimate accolade after being crowned the UK’s Best Managed Pub of the Year.

The St Austell Brewery pub beat off competition from some of the best pubs in the business to clinch the top national title at The Publican Awards 2010.

It marks national recognition for the pub’s aptly-named managers Rob and Lucy Brewer who have transformed the Rashleigh’s fortunes since they took over three years ago.

They put their success down to the talent and dedication of their 30-strong team – and getting the basics right.

Rob said: “We are absolutely over the moon. It’s a real team achievement for us and we’re all in it together.

“We don’t over-complicate things at the Rashleigh. For us, it’s all about a really good product, in a fantastic environment with strong support from the Brewery. Once you get the basics right, everything else falls into place.”

The Rashleigh Arms had had a succession of managers before Rob and Lucy took over and injected some love into the pub.

They’ve created a mouthwatering menu of top pub grub, featuring local produce and a popular Sunday carvery.

Judges said: “Over a short period of time a difficult pub has been turned around and an identity has been stamped on the pub. The success of some of the pub’s initiatives has been adopted by St Austell Brewery and rolled out to other pubs.”

James Staughton, managing director of St Austell Brewery, said: “This is a massive achievement for Rob and Lucy and we are really proud of them.

“Our business is all about people and this award is a tribute to the whole team at the Rashleigh. It is fantastic for a Cornish pub to be recognised nationally.”