Old Spot is national pub of the year

February 15, 2008: The Old Spot, in Dursley, Gloucestershire, has been named national pub of the year by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The competition analyses all the criteria that makes a good pub, including the quality of the beer, atmosphere, décor, customer service, clientele mix and value for money.

The award was presented today, in the build up to Community Pubs Week, which starts tomorrow.

CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2008 says of the pub: “This 100 year old freehouse, named after the Gloucestershire Old Spot pig, has been sympathetically restored by its owner, Ric Sainty. The intimate atmosphere is enhanced by log fires and brewery memorabilia. As well as Uley’s Old Ric, named after the owner, it offers five guest beers, mainly from microbrewers, served in five separate drinking areas. The wholesome menu is available noon to 8pm on weekdays and 12 to 3pm at weekends. On the Cotswold Way, this convivial local is a popular watering hole for walkers. The secluded garden has a boules piste.”

Julian Hough, CAMRA’s pubs director and one of the final judges, said: “The Old Spot Inn is a great example of how successful a well-run community pub can be. 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. I would like to congratulate everybody at the Old Spot Inn on being judged Britain’s finest pub."

Steve Herbert, licensee of the Old Spot Inn, added: “I am overwhelmed at winning the national pub of the year award. To be judged the best pub in Britain is a dream come true.

"Belinda and I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work over the last year, and the locals for their loyalty to the Old Spot Inn. Without them this wouldn’t be possible.

“Being born and bred in Dursley means a lot to me and to be able to bring this award to this wonderful pub gives me a great sense of achievement.”

Ric and Ellie Sainty, owners of the Old Spot Inn, began the transformation in 1993 when they bought the run-down Whitbred pub, then called the Fox and Hounds, and turned it into a local pub where people from all walks of life could feel at home and enjoy a superb pint in very friendly and convivial surroundings. Ric and Ellie retired in 2001 and Steve and Belinda Herbert took over as licensees, building on Ric and Ellie’s success.

Tony Jerome, CAMRA’s press manager, said: “We are awarding national pub of the year in the build-up to Community Pubs Week to highlight what we believe makes a pub great.

"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. Community Pubs Week offers the perfect opportunity for pubs to experiment with organising and promoting events to see what impact these can have on their business.

“The Old Spot Inn scored very highly in all areas of our judging criteria. The Herberts also organise a variety of events and have a superb range of real ales for pubgoers to try — the perfect recipe for a successful pub!”