The Olive Branch in Clipsham celebrates its 25th anniversary

An award-winning pub is celebrating its 25th anniversary today (Tuesday).

The Olive Branch opened its doors in Clipsham on December 10, 1999 and has gone on to earn countless accolades.

It has been named the Good Pub Guide's UK Pub of the Year twice, earned a Michelin Star, a Michelin Bib Gourmand, a Good Hotel Guide Cesar Award and recognition as one of the Top 50 Best Sunday Roasts in Britain by the Good Food Guide.

Staff hosted an anniversary party for residents of Clipsham on Sunday, including a former magistrate who granted its first alcohol licence in 1999.

Co-owner and landlord Ben Jones, who is one of the original founders of The Olive Branch, said: "Sunday night's celebration reminded us of what makes The Olive Branch so special – the people and the shared moments that bring our community together.

“Reflecting on the journey of the past 25 years, it's humbling to see how far we've come and how integral Clipsham has been to our story. Here's to the next 25 years.”

In 1999, the team welcomed locals with an Imperial bottle of Bollinger - the equivalent of nine standard bottles - which was given to co-founder Marcus Welford by his previous employer. Since the pub hadn't secured its alcohol licence by then, every villager enjoyed a complimentary glass of Champagne as part of a festive community gathering.

Marcus now works with Hallgarten Wines and provided two double magnums of Champagne for the anniversary party this week.

Ben added: "The Olive Branch was built on the idea of creating a welcoming space for great food and great company. That vision remains at our core today, and we're incredibly proud to still be here 25 years later, serving our wonderful customers and community."