The Griffin Belle in Vauxhall has beaten off stiff competition from 2,500 pubs from around the UK to be crowned Sports Pub of the Year in national awards run by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars.

Griffin Belle’s Managing Director, Jane White and General Manager, Agnes Fujarczuk, received the coveted prize at a gala awards ceremony at Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire from comedian, actor and TV presenter Joel Dommett.

The judges were looking for the perfect place to watch sports with atmosphere and comfort a key factor in their decision as well as high levels of service, great sound and AV equipment.

They were bowled over by the warm welcome and attention that they and others receive at the pub – one of the reasons why Griffin Belle has become the unofficial supporters club venue for the Flamengo Brazilian football team and has been featured on CNN in Brazil. Every second Sunday The Griffin shows a game which attracts supporters from far and wide wearing Brazilian football tops and beating drums creating a fantastic carnival atmosphere.