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Old Spot voted top spot for real ale

Last Updated: Friday, February 7, 2003

DURSLEY has a new claim to fame after The Old Spot in Hill Road was awarded the title of (Morning Advertiser) UK Real Ale Pub of the Year.

Landlord Steve Herbert, 32 was delighted "So few pubs concentrate on real ale but we feel if you do something well you should stick to it," he said. "We don't have background music or food in the evenings. We concentrate on beer."

Dursley born-and-bred Mr Herbert took over the pub two years ago and said he has enjoyed every minute. "It's great. 1 love it here," he said.

The premises were formerly run by proprietor Ric Sainty. The Morning Advertiser Pub Industry Awards were presented at the Hilton Hotel in London by Clive Anderson. Mr Herbert said: "We had a great time with free accommodation, casino and free drinks. We're just about getting over it now!"

To gain the award Mr Herbert had to demonstrate the success of the pub in several areas including marketing strategies, how it improves and stores beer and its role in the community.

The pub was also visited by three mystery callers and Mr Herbert and other staff took part in an interview with award judges including the managing director of Wadworth and Co and the editor of trade paper the Morning Advertiser.

Mr Herbert said: "They were only supposed to come for half an hour but they enjoyed it so much they ended up staying for three and a half hours."

Liz Guilmant, of Thornbury based The Beer Seller - whichs upplies The Old Spot with its range of real ales, said: "Caring for and serving cask ales is a special skill and winning this premier award is an outstanding honour for the landlord of The Old Spot."

CAPTION: Steve Herbert, of The Old Spot in Dursley with the plaque he received with Ric Sainty after the pub was voted UK Real Ale Pub of the Year

Reproduced courtesy of Gazette - 7th Feb 2003.