The owners of the Northwich Road pub submitted plans to transform the premises into a range of one and two bedroomed apartments, last year.
After Halton Borough Council rejected the proposal in December, and the owners launched an appeal against the decision, the application was given a final thumbs-down by the planning inspectorate last month.
Moira Johnson, who runs the pub with husband Kevin, said the its first entry into the Good Ale Guide marked the start of a new chapter.
“The hard work we have been putting in has obviously paid off,” said Moira.
“There was always that threat of closure but we still had to carry on with the business as normal.
“It was quite tough and lots of members of the public weren’t booking in because they thought we would be closed when Christmas came.
“We lost a fair bit of trade and it was a hard slog that lasted pretty much right through this year.
“If it wasn’t for the community, the pub would be closed.
“If they hadn’t fought to keep it, it would be hidden with a block of flats.”
She thanked the breweries, community and MP Graham Evans for his support.
MP Evans added: “The Tunnel Top is a great community pub and I am proud to have played my part along with residents and regulars to help stop it being turned into a block of flats. It’s great news that the pub has been put in the 2012 Good Ale Guide and is testament to the hard work of the landlord and landlady.
“I hope the Tunnel Top continues to go from strength to strength for many years to come.”