A POPULAR town centre drinking spot has been voted Pub of the Year.

The Rugby League fan club narrowed down five finalists including last year’s winner The Top House in Bradford, The Old Post Office in Halifax, The Centurion in Leigh and The Boot Room in Castleford.

Facebook users were asked to vote for their favourite haunt and The Kings Head, on Winwick Street, received more than 1,600 votes.

Pub owners, Paul and Andrew Fannon, said: “The management and staff have been inundated with congratulations after this fantastic award.

“Six years ago, this pub, along with many others, was in a state of decline but we saw an opportunity running our leisure-based energy consultancy UB Services, that The Kings Head had all the components to be brought back to life.

“With the support of the pub company Trust Inns and the council we are now the focal point for supporters on match days.

“Rugby league is a family event and we thank everybody from as far away as Australia, America and Thailand for their votes.”

READ: New restaurant opening in former post office

Wolves manager, Steve Price visited the pub to present the award and posed with regulars, along with Ben Murdoch-Masila and Sitaleki Akauola.

Paul Yates, pub manager, added: “On match days, the pub is full – we didn’t expect this many people to come down every time.

“It was a complete surprise to be voted Pub of the Year.

“We want to make sure the atmosphere is right and the outdoor area lets people enjoy the sun.”

Speaking about the transition between Australia and Warrington, Steve said: “It has been a really easy transition with fantastic people involved at the club, from the board of directors to caterers. It is full of really genuine people, my wife and three kids are really loving Warrington and they’ve settled into their schools.

“I’ve been to The Kings Head, it’s a fantastic pub and it is bouncing after a game. All Wolves fans and the opposition should get down because it’s a great atmosphere.”