That is the view of Hilary Austin, a neighbour who has lived in the village for 27 years.

"The rear garden is positively tropical. It is a pub garden to be proud of. Simon, the landlord, deserves praise for what he has achieved."

She said she nominated the pub for our Best Business Display award because: "It is absolutely amazing – so beautiful it is untrue."

She was so impressed after visiting to celebrate a friend's birthday there recently, she felt she had to send in a nomination.

Simon Andrews (46) has been a tenant of the Everards pub for three years and has signed up for another three years. He has been in the trade all his life with his grandfather and brothers running pubs.

He used to manage a pub at Normanton on Soar, near Loughborough, for five years.

Recently The Swan reached the finals in an Everards competition but was pipped to the post by a pub in Derbyshire.

Although Simon does most of the work on the tubs, hanging baskets and shrubs, he said he has help from a couple of local women with the borders.

The rear now has a covered area with lighting, heating and hardwood table and chairs, plus there is a conservatory. Outside there is a walled garden and long border with established shrubs, plus more hanging baskets and tubs. There are also palms, bamboos and cordylines.

The pub holds charity events as well as being the refreshment stop for the famous Braybrooke Morris Dancers after their practice sessions.