LANDLORDS in Brentford proved to be just as good at pulling up weeds as pulling pints this week after three of the town’s pubs were recognised in the Fuller’s Beer Gardens 2003 competition.

Charlie Fogden and Beata Murray of the Globe, on Windmill Road claimed first prize in the Beer Garden category, while Ralph Clifton and Susan Wilson of the Griffin, Brook Road South took top prize in the Premier Category. The Lord Nelson on Enfield Road was runner up in the First Time Entrant category.

Anthony Fuller, chairman of Chiswick based brewers and retailers Fuller Smith & Turner visited the pubs to present them with their certificate. The Griffin received a £150 prize to put towards its award-winning garden and the Globe received £75 worth of gardening vouchers.

Charlie Fogden from the Globe who tends to the garden himself with his long time partner Beata told the Times: ‘‘We do the garden for the pub and the customers but it’s a real treat to win a prize out of it.

‘‘My father was a keen gardener and I paid no attention to him at all so I think he would be very proud of me.’’ Gardens judge Jim Buttress commented on the winning pubs: ‘‘Although the Griffin has a relatively small garden, the quality and range of plants is excellent. The majority of plants are in containers, and give an excellent display all year round. The ledge on the rear wall provided the perfect position for window boxes cascading with colour. An archway and an ornamental well provide additional depth to the garden.

‘‘The subtle use of climbers to soften the harsh appearance of the fire escape is very clever, as is the use of slate chippings on the top of all containers.

‘‘The Globe has a fascinating garden, packed full of interesting and unusual plants. The display of cannas in the corner of the garden is simply stunning. One of the surrounding walls is covered in golden hops giving an extremely effective display.

‘‘Extra thought has been given to the choice of plants used in the shady positions.

‘‘The attractive garden furniture and the upper decking make the whole place very comfortable.

‘‘The customers must feel like they are sitting in their own back garden.’’