EVERYONE enjoys a drink and a bite to eat down their local pub, but what if your local boozer fell into your hands?

That was the surprise in store for 46-year-old Derren Martin, as his local Fuller’s pub, The Frog and Wicket, in The Green, Eversley Cross, Hook, was transformed into the Derren Inn for Father’s Day.

The transformation was part of a competition the My Dad’s Pub competition run by the brewery which was, won by the dad-of-two.

When the firefighter arrived at the pub he discovered his portrait on the pub sign, his favourite dishes on the menu and beer pump clips with his image on them.

He said: “I was completely shocked when we arrived at the pub and I had a reserved parking spot.

“I got to go around pulling a few pints of beer and the staff had laid on an incredible spread for us.

“I just thought I was going to a quiet meal with my partner and children.”
Mr Martin won the competition, having been nominated by his son, Jamie, 14.

“My dad’s a fireman hero, who has dedicated his life to serving the public and saving lives. All heroes deserve a day off in their own pub,” added Jamie.

The 46-year-old told The Gazette that he was speechless by the efforts his family had gone to, to give him a unique Father’s Day present.

“I have always joked that once I retired if I could find a nice pub I’d have a go at running it, and now this has given me a taste for it,” added Mr Martin.

“It was such a massive surprise and I really enjoyed myself while I was at the Frog and Wicket.”

Fuller’s Inns managing director Jonathon Swaine said: “This has been an incredible competition and we’ve had numerous entries.

“We will definitely be running it again next year – what better way is there to celebrate your dad than by having his face on a pub sign.”