The Botanist, in Leeds, has been crowned as having the best bar team in the country.

The bar has been named national champion in the Best Bar Team category at the Great British Pub Awards 2014.

The awards, organised by leading pub industry magazine, the Publican’s Morning Advertiser, are recognised as the ‘Oscars’ of the pub world.

The winners received their award from Sky Sports F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham at a glittering sports-themed ceremony at London’s Hilton Hotel, on Park Lane, last night (Thursday, September 11).

The site, part of pub company New World Trading Co, had already been named winner of the Best Bar Team for the Yorkshire, North East & Scotland region.

It competed against five other regional winners for the overall title in a rigorous judging process, which included site visits and interviews about the business.

The award’s 90 finalists were shortlisted from hundreds of pubs at an initial paper judging stage.

Judges praised manager Leane Patching and her team for impeccably high service standards and for acting as powerful ambassadors for the bar and its products.

Judges also commended the bar for being friendly and approachable, and how well staff can demystify the exciting array of products on offer.

Rob Willock, editor of the Publican’s Morning Advertiser, said: “Leane and her team at the Botanist thoroughly deserve the title of Best Bar Team 2014.

“Judges were impressed with the team’s energy, passion and product knowledge, which helps create a great experience for the customer.”

Willock added: “The Great British Pub Awards celebrate the cream of the crop in the pub trade, and the winners should serve as an inspiration to pubs throughout the country.”