One of Farnborough’s oldest pubs has thrown its hat into the ring for the title of News Mail Pub of the Year.

The Thatched Cottage, in Prospect Road, Cove, is full of character and the building is one of great historical interest in the borough.

Run by Lyndon Farrar, it is a Grade II-listed building, making it the only pub in Farnborough to be listed by English Heritage.

Formerly known as the Old Thatched Cottage, it was a family home before being converted into a pub in 1964 and was near the site of a former workhouse in Union Street.

The timber-framed building was formally listed on June 9 1982, while the traditional thatched roof gave the pub its name.

Its large wooden beams and red brick walls give the pub a welcoming, cozy feel.

The Thatched Cottage, part of the John Barras pub company, serves a wide range of pub food, including weekly deals and offers, and a fine selection of drinks served in a friendly, local pub setting.

The extensive menu includes all-day breakfast, beef chilli burrito, pork noodles, racks of ribs and light bites such as jacket potatoes, salads or Mexican-style chicken.

Beyond pub favourites, The Thatched Cottage is well known for its prowess with the grill, serving up a variety of burgers, a hearty mixed grill, pulled pork, gammon and egg, bellissimo vegetarian options and lamb.

New for spring, The Thatched Cottage also offers farmhouse pate, Texan-style BBQ chicken wings, orzo pasta salad and roasted vegetable goats cheese tart.

Value options such as two meals for £11 and weekly special nights, including curry nights priced to include a drink, make it an affordable place to visit. Five cask ales are currently on offer to visitors. Roast dinners are served all day Sunday. Sports fans regularly make use of the Sky Sports and BT Sport available.

Meanwhile, the outdoor beer garden makes The Thatched Cottage popular with punters in the warmer weather and its regular quiz nights, charity fundraisers and karaoke events provide an entertaining and lively atmosphere.

Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 11pm.

Food served: Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 10pm.

Drinks prices: Lagers range from £2.75 to £3.84, bitters range from £3.09 to £3.44, guest ales start from £3.29, small glass of wine starts from £2.99.

Dogs allowed: Yes.

Children allowed: Yes, until 9pm.

Smoking area: Yes, in the outdoor beer garden.

Car parking: Yes, on site.