THE owners of an award-winning Seer Green pub were raising a toast this week after scooping a prize at the 'Pub Oscars'.

Amanda Baker and Chris Lillitou, the licensees of the Jolly Cricketers, took the 'Newcomer of the Year' prize at the 2010 Publican Awards in London's swanky Park Lane.

They were presented with their award by top comedian Michael McIntyre – with the trophy now sitting proudly alongside the Chiltern Pub Award's 'Pub of the Year' and 'Best Community Pub' gongs, which the couple won last year.

Judges commended the pair for “showing vision and flair to fulfil a business plan to physically develop the business” - and gave them special praise for taking over the freehold of the pub just 12 months after taking charge.

A delighted Amanda said: “For a small pub in Seer Green, getting to the final was like winning anyway. We didn't expect to win at all.

“We have a fantastic team of staff and of course they’re fundamental to our success. Our growing reputation has already enabled us to attract a high calibre chef, Gerd Greaves, who is using local produce and local suppliers to showcase our modern British dishes.”

She added the pub had become very busy even before winning last year's awards: “On Friday night you couldn't get into the pub, it was so busy.”

And more awards could be coming their way, with the owners aiming to enter their food for prizes in the future.

“We've had people coming from Wendover, Berkhamsted and Windsor coming for our food,” said Amanda. “The reputation has spread through word of mouth.”

Last year's British Institute of Innkeeping Licensee of the Year winner Phil Davison, said: “I’m really proud of Amanda and Chris.

“They’re such lovely people and they’ve worked so hard make their vision a reality that they truly deserved to win. We can expect even more great things from the Jolly Cricketers.”