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The O1d Spot Inn Dursley

Last Updated: Friday, May 12, 2006

DJRSLEY'S Old Spot Inn has been crowned Gloucestershire Pub of the Year after judges called it "a proper local pub."

It won the award last month after representatives from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) visited watering holes throughout the county. They said the Old Spot was equipped with "everything a pub should have."

Tony Aburrow, chairman of the Gloucestershire branch of CAMRA, said: "The Old Spot is the hub of the community.

"We visited pubs on Monday nights to see what they were like on a quiet evening and were impressed by what we found. It was a nasty night outside, but the moment we stepped into the Old Spot we felt comfortable. There was a log fire and lots of people enjoying themselves." Steve Herbert who runs the pub alongside his wife Belinda and their well-known dog Jack, was delighted to receive the accolade. He said: "It's a real privilege, especially as CAMRA ran the competition themselves. It's not something you can enter, which makes it even more special.

"We beat some great pubs throughout the county and will now take on others in the South West. I hope we go further."

The award caps an exciting time for the Old Spot, which has received critical acclaim for its beer and food.

Its home-made desserts and pies have been particularly popular - a testament to the skills of Mrs Herbert, who has 20 years of catering experience.

Other dishes like Old Ric Sausages and Mash and Pork and Apple Burgers use local produce to provide lunch-time treats for customers. The Herbert's also plan to start serving evening meals over the coming months too.

On top of this, the Old Spot stocks Fairtrade tea and coffee and is set to introduce Fairtrade wine in support of Cam and Dursley's status as Fairtrade towns. Environmentally-friendly heaters have also been installed in the pub, ready for next year's blanket ban on smoking.

They have already proved to be a hit with customers who have used them in all types of weather.

Mr Herbert said:"British summertime is so variable that we needed somewhere people could sit, get some fresh air and get shelter from the rain.

"Our customers have all said that it's really good and some even sat outside on Christmas Eve when the pub got busy."

The Old Spot's atmosphere is unrivalled throughout Dursley, particularly on Wednesday nights when live music is played in the pub. Acts ranging from acoustic to contemporary raise the ambience of the thriving venue. Mr Herbert added: "We provide a clean and safe environment for people to drink, whether they're on their own or in a couple. It's a good place for people to come together and meet - free of bad language and fruit machines."

The pub has just announced two important summer dates. On August 4, it will host a beer festival, with 30 beers from throughout the country available and on August 18 and 19, the Rev Janet Bromley will be working behind the bar to raise money for charity. Last year, she raised £1000 pulling pints for charity.

The pub is also available to book for weddings, christenings and similar events. For more information call 01453 542870 or visit www.oldspotinn.co.uk - a new website being launched soon.

CAPTION: The bar at the Old Spot
CAPTION: The new undercover area at the Old Spot

Reproduced courtesy of Dursley Gazette: Friday, May 12, 2006.