Latest news with #PuboftheYear
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Somerset pub with ‘idyllic' beer garden among top UK pub gardens
MUDDY Stilettos have published a new list of the top beer gardens with the best views across the UK with a pub from Somerset described as 'idyllic'. In a new list published by Muddy Stilettos on June 4, 2025, the Muddy Stilettos team named the UK's 'most sought-after' pubs with the most 'gorgeous views'. The named pubs are their recommended top pub gardens across the counties. In the article, the spokesperson said: 'As summer rolls through we all naturally flock to the UK's most sought-after place, the pub. So why not drink in style with gorgeous views? 'Here are our top pub gardens across the counties where you can make the most of the rays.' READ MORE: Rising Sun pub near Taunton unveils new gardens READ MORE: Landlords to step down from Woods Bar & Restaurant after 21 years READ MORE: Somerset pub crowned Rural/Borders Pub of the Year 2025 The Wheatsheaf, located in Combe Hay, near Bath has been named one as having one of the top beer gardens in Somerset. This pub has been nestled in the village of Combe Hay since the 1500s with views across the Somerset countryside. The owners of the pub said: 'The Wheatsheaf is a relaxed and charming traditional country pub, perfect for all seasons, open for food and drink. 'Enjoy lazy lunches in our beautiful, terraced gardens or cosy up by the open fire as the days draw in.' The pub is also dog friendly and offers the option to make a getaway out of your visit by booking a room. A spokesperson for Muddy Stilettos said: 'The views from the terrace across the verdant, undulating Somerset countryside are idyllic; the Modern British menu using fresh produce from their kitchen garden is excellent; and if you can't bear to tear yourself away then stay the night in cosy, stylish rooms in The Shed and The Wendy House to extend the pleasure.'
Daily Record
30-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayrshire pub claims regional pub of the year award
The Village Inn in Fairlie has been chosen as the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire CAMRA Pub of the Year. An Ayrshire pub has been named as regional pub of the year for 2025 by CAMRA - the Campaign for Real Ale. Fairlie's Village Inn was selected following a rigorous judging process to be named the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire Pub of the Year. The popular pub will no go onto the national finals where it will represent Ayrshire and could be named Scottish CAMRA Pub of the Year. After a close-run competition, the Village Inn came out as the overall winner, with judges commending it for the quality of the real ales, friendly atmosphere and tasty home-cooked meals. Last week, Thursday, May 22, the pub was presented with its award by Lindsay Grant, Ayrshire and Wigtownshire CAMRA branch chair. A total of 26 CAMRA members from across the region turned out to celebrate the achievement and they were treated to a number of fine real ales. Currently, the Village Inn offers four ales including Jack Back and Stewart's 80/- from Stewart Brewing as well as Caledonian Brewery's Deuchars IPA and McGregor's by Five Kingdoms. Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson has also celebrated the achievement by submitting a motion to the Scottish Parliament which congratulates the pub and highlights "the contribution of owner Brian Flanagan and his team in achieving this recognition". A spokesperson for Ayrshire and Wigtownshire CAMRA said: "The Village Inn, Fairlie has been judged as Ayrshire and Wigtownshire CAMRA Branch Pub of the Year 2025. "A presentation was held recently on Thursday, May 22, to give licensee Brian Flanagan his award. "The Village Inn now goes forward to be judged against the other Scottish branch winners in this year's competition, with the overall Scottish Pub of the Year winner being announced at the end of July. "Thanks also to local MSP Kenneth Gibson for lodging a motion to the Scottish Parliament to congratulate the Village Inn, Fairlie for winning the Branch Pub of the Year 2025." The Ayrshire and Wigtownshire CAMRA branch holds regular socials every month to which anyone is welcome to attend and have a chat about anything whilst enjoying a pint of real ale. Recent socials have seen the enthusiasts enjoy the ales over in Fraser's Bar, Millport; the Weston Tavern, Kilmaurs; and the Harbour Bar, Troon. Full details of forthcoming events can be found online at The next North Ayrshire and Branch social will be held at the Glasgow Real Ale Festival held in the Briggait, Glasgow on Friday 20 June from 12pm.
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Tiny but cosy pub in Scots village wins top award after nearly closing
The bar was named the Pub of the Year for the Aberdeen, Grampian and Northern Isles region by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) A small bar in a remote village has won a top pub honour despite almost closing in recent years. The Craft Bar in Pitmedden, Aberdeenshire, faced an uncertain future as it fell into disrepair. But the cosy one-room pub was taken over by local councillor Paul Johnston, who has turned around its fortunes. And the drinking hole has pulled off a remarkable feat by being named Pub of the Year for the Aberdeen, Grampian and Northern Isles region by CAMRA. CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, represent those who enjoy a beer across the UK and they dished out gong thanks to The Craft Bar's impressive turnaround. While Johnston had worked behind the bar in his youth, he had never owned a pub, but felt driven to act when Pitmedden looked like it would be left without a local. 'When we took over the pub was in a very poor state and had severe problems,' he said. 'While it was challenging, as a councillor, saving a pub in my ward felt like the right thing to do.' Johnston was inspired by a close friend, fellow councillor Duncan Borrowman, who had turned around The Bailey Head pub in Oswestry, Shropshire, a venue that has since earned CAMRA's national Pub of the Year accolade. With the help of his wife Roseanne, Paul transformed The Craft Bar into a haven for drink connoisseurs. Today, the bar boasts over 300 wines, 80 gins, and a regularly rotating selection of craft beers sourced from across the north east. 'One of the big assets of the north east is how good our brewing and drinks industry is,' Paul said. 'We use Fierce from Dyce, Six Degrees North from Stonehaven, and beers from Speyside.' Two handpumps at the bar serve cask ales from a variety of breweries, supported by a wide-ranging selection of live key-keg beers from across the UK. The lager lineup changes regularly, often featuring crisp German and Czech pilsners, while cider lovers can enjoy a classic pour from Aspall in Suffolk. For those keen to sample more, a well-stocked fridge holds a comprehensive array of bottled and canned beers. And with a staggering 400 beers and wines available for takeaway or to enjoy in-house for a small fee, the choice is nothing short of impressive. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. That range, along with a clear commitment to quality, has made The Craft Bar a local gem, a place where Pitmedden residents and curious visitors gather to sample weekly selections and unwind in good company. 'I believe that well-run pubs have a great effect on the community. We help people come together and get things done – and there's no better thing than having a nice pint of beer to do it with,' he added. CAMRA praised the bar's inviting layout and thoughtful design: 'A one-roomed corner pub opened in November 2017 and run by an enthusiastic local CAMRA member. "Old church pews provide seating for some of the tables around the walls, whilst other tables are served by bench seating. Has mainly wooden flooring with tiling around the bar, which has a foot rail.'
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Tiny local bar in remote part of Scotland named ‘pub of the year' – but it was almost closed for good
Regulars flocked to social media to congratulate the boozer on its win CHEERS TO THAT Tiny local bar in remote part of Scotland named 'pub of the year' – but it was almost closed for good Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TINY local bar in a remote part of Scotland has been named "pub of the year" after it was saved from closure. The Craft Bar in Pitmedden, Aberdeenshire, was taken over by Councillor Paul Johnston seven years ago. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The Craft Bar in Pitmedden has been named "pub of the year" Credit: CAMRA 3 The bar boasts 300 wines, 80 gins and a selection of craft beers Credit: CAMRA 3 Regulars flocked to social media to congratulate the boozer on its win Credit: Facebook The boozer has now been awarded the Pub of the Year accolade for the Aberdeen, Grampian and Northern Isles region by CAMRA, which represents beer drinkers across the UK. The bar boasts 300 wines, 80 gins and a selection of craft beers. CAMRA said: "A one-roomed corner pub opened in November 2017 and run by an enthusiastic local CAMRA member. "Old church pews provide seating for some of the tables around the walls whilst other tables are served by bench seating. Has mainly wooden flooring with tiling around the bar, which has a foot rail. "Two handpumps serve ales from varying breweries supplemented by a wide variety of live key-keg beers from UK breweries." Owner Paul Johnston told The P&J: "When we took over the pub it was in a very poor state and had severe problems. "While it was challenging, as a councillor saving a pub in my ward felt like the right thing to do. "I believe that well-run pubs have a great effect on the community. We help people come together and get things done – and there's no better thing than having a nice pint of beer to do it with." Regulars flocked to social media to congratulate the boozer on its win. One said: "Very well deserved, great folks in a brilliant pub." Locals Heartbroken as Auchenmalg's Only Pub, The Cock Inn, Closes Down Another put: "Huge congratulations, really well-deserved accolades." A third added: "Fantastic achievement." A fourth weighed in: "Huge congrats to you all."
Press and Journal
21-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Aberdeenshire bar boss reveals secrets to success after winning Pub of the Year
Pitmedden's only pub has been recognised with a national award, seven years after it was saved by a local councillor. Paul Johnston took over The Craft Bar in Pitmedden seven years ago, after the village's only pub had closed. The Craft Bar has been awarded Pub of the Year for Aberdeen, Grampian and Northern Isles. The award was presented by CAMRA, a consumer organisation which recognises pubs for providing high-quality drinks. Although Paul had worked in bars in his youth, he had never owned a pub before. Paul said: 'When we took over the pub was in a very poor state and had severe problems. 'While it was challenging, as a councillor saving a pub in my ward felt like the right thing to do.' Paul was initially inspired to take over the village pub following the success of his friend Duncan Borrowman. Duncan, also a local councillor in Shropshire, had bought The Bailey Head pub in his local village of Oswestry. The pub has also received recognition by CAMRA, winning their overall Pub of the Year Award. Paul runs the bar with his wife Roseanne and has always valued providing a variety of high-quality drinks. After taking over the pub, Paul was keen to expand its drink options and get people to try something new. The Craft Bar is home to more than 300 wines, 80 gins and a variety of craft beers. Paul said: 'One of the big assets of the north east is how good our brewing and drinks industry is. 'We use Fierce from Dyce, Six Degrees North from Stonehaven and beers from Speyside. Because of the wide variety of drinks offered, the pub has become a real community hotspot, with Pitmedden locals and visitors coming by to try new weekly beers and wines. He added: 'I believe that well-run pubs have a great effect on the community. We help people come together and get things done – and there's no better thing than having a nice pint of beer to do it with.'
