Old Spot is Britain's best pub

By Ewan Turney

The Old Spot in Dursley, Gloucestershire has been crowned National Pub of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).

The 100-year-old freehouse is owned by Ric and Ellie Sainty but run by licensees Steve and Belinda Herbert.

It offers five guest beers, mainly from micro-brewers, as well as Ulsey's Old Ric – named after owner Ric Sainty.

"The Old Spot Inn is a great example of how successful a well-run community pub can be," said Camra's pubs director and one of the final judges Julian Hough.

"Steve and Belinda are dedicated to maintaining the local character of the pub within the community and realise that quality real ales are an important factor in offering their local choice at the bar."

Steve Herbert added: "To be judged the best pub in Britain is a dream come true."

The award marks the start of Camra's Community Pubs Week (16 to 23 February) designed to get people to visit pubs in the traditionally quiet time of year.

Camra press manager Tony Jerome said: "If pubs are to survive in today’s competitive leisure industry, then it is important that they become more marketing focused.

"Licensees need to find out what their locals want, organise events and promote them accordingly. Unfortunately the day has gone when people just visit a pub because it is a pub."

06:25am Friday 15th February 2008

Visit the article at The Morning Advertiser Online Reproduced courtesy of The Morning Advertiser. Friday 15th February 2008.

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