A Carshalton pub stole the show at the recent Sutton Best Bar None Awards by winning two of the main prizes.

The Woodman, in Carshalton High Street, not only won the best pub award but was also named as the overall winner at the Epsom Racecourse ceremony on May 20.

The pub was taken over in 2005 by mother and daughter team Lore and Vicki Bayliss, who had never run a drinking establishment before.

Vicki Bayliss, 37, said: “My dad died before we bought the pub and I suppose we are living his dream by running a pub because that’s something he always wanted to do.

“When we first arrived here I don’t think many people thought two women, who had never run a pub before, could actually make it work.

"They were sitting in judgement waiting for us to fail.

"But we have brought in some new rules, such as no hats and limited swearing, and it seems to work a treat.

"I think people actually like rules because then they know where they stand."

Mrs Bayliss, 64, comes from an accounting background and her daughter used to work in marketing, so the pair have slightly contrasting views on how to invest in the business.

Vicki said: "I'm not afraid to spend money in order to generate more income, even though mum's accounting keeps me in check.

"But our main aim was to try to make the pub like home where people can relax and enjoy themselves.

"For example, we bought a 57-inch plasma screen for the garden. It has proven to be a very wise investment, particularly with the World Cup round the corner."

Other bars were celebrating too as the Ivory Lounge won the Sutton Guardian Best Bar None Readers’ Choice award.

Best bar went to Moon on the Hill with best club going to Chicago Rock Café.

The aim of Best Bar None, which is backed by the Home Office, is to provide a safer environment for staff and customers and reduce alcohol related crime.

The scheme was piloted in Manchester in 2003 and this year Sutton became one of over 100 Best Bar None Schemes throughout the UK.