Publican Tim Evans said it was “pretty special” to win a place in the guide.

“We serve great food and we have good staff and we’re consistently doing things right all the time,” he said.

The Royal Hotel was one of only six pubs in country NSW to be placed in the top ‘three schooner’ category.

Pubs needed to receive a score of at least 18 out of 20 to be awarded three schooners.

Twelve points were available for food and beverage preparation, five for service and three for ambience.

Two reviewers visited the Royal Hotel anonymously to have lunch and dinner, according to Mr Evans.

He said pubs were the backbones of their communities and often received bad press.

“I reckon it’s really positive to read good press about the hotels rather than negative press relating to consumption of alcohol,” he said.

The reviewers sampled 518 pubs throughout NSW.

Five other regional pubs were awarded three schooners; the Bundanoon Hotel, Burrawang Village Hotel, Elanora Hotel (East Gosford), Jack Duggans Irish Pub (Bathurst) and Walcha Road Motel.

Australian Hotels Association NSW president, Scott Leach, congratulated all the pubs for winning a place in the guide.

“This guide is a great tool for tourists and local residents alike and I would encourage everyone to get out there, get a copy and see the best hotels Australia has to offer,” he said.