All four of the pubs will now go on to the final competition to win the ultimate Pub of the Year title, to be announced in February 2020. The competing pubs include:

1. The Swan With Two Necks in Pendleton (2014 winner) - an outstanding and recently renovated traditional pub set in a pretty Pendleside village that's deservedly popular with locals and visitors alike. Five constantly changing ales and one real cider are served along with delicious home-cooked food, and there's plenty of outdoor seating and lovely open fires when the weather grows colder.

2. The George & Dragon in Hudswell (2016 winner) - a pleasant walk from Richmond (if you don't mind the 300+ steps!) brings you to the pub's large beer terrace with fantastic panoramic views over the Swale valley. Rescued by the community in 2010 and refurbished, it boasts its own library, shop, allotments and other community facilities as well as food and drink.

3. Bell, Aldworth, Berkshire (1990 winner) - this perennial gem is the only pub with a heritage interior in Berkshire. Its name refers to bells which were part of the coat of arms of the traditional landowners. It’s large open garden and excellent beer attract walkers and drinkers from far and wide.

4. Red Lion, Preston, Hertfordshire (new finalist!) - This attractive free house dating back to 1844 stands on the village green and is the first community-owned pub in Great Britain. There is an ever-changing list of beers including many from small breweries and Ray and Jo prepare the fresh home-made food, sourcing their ingredients locally. The pub also hosts the village cricket teams and fundraises for charity.