Cricklade pub is CAMRA South West Pub of the Year (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cricklade pub is CAMRA South West Pub of the Year

A PUB in Cricklade has fought off strong competition to win a South West Pub of the year award.

The Red Lion, owned by Mark and Tracey Whittam, has won the prestigious title of Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) South West Regional Pub of the Year.

The 16th century public house was, until four years ago, owned by a national brewer.

Since the Whittam's bought the pub they have served almost 1,000 different real ales and are now averaging 350 different beers a year through eight handpumps.

Peter Bridle, South West director of CAMRA said: "Hot on the success of being last year's runner up this reflects the continued hard work and commitment to real ale, supplied by independent brewers, of licensees Tracey and Mark.

"In the four years since they have owned the pub, they have transformed it into a haven for real ale fans and the local community.

"There was particularly strong competition this year with outstanding nominations from CAMRA branches from the whole of the South West region that stretches from Gloucestershire right down to the tip of Cornwall.

"This makes winning the award even more of an achievement."

Mark said: "We wish to thank everyone for their support. "It is so good to see people wishing to go out in search of a community pub serving quality real ale."

Recently the pub has undergone a few changes with older parts of the pub now being exposed.

The pub serves no food except for a few nibbles but Mark and Tracey have just taken up a tenancy with Arkell's at The Bell in Purton Stoke where they hope to offer fine dining in a similar atmosphere.

The walled garden has a large raised pond, large lawn with a well and a large four in a row game.

The outbuildings to the rear of the pub have now been converted into providing rooms for accommodation.

CAMRA is a voluntary group that crusades to keep the old fashioned pubs alive.

It aims for greater appreciation of traditional beers and to keep public houses as a focus of community life.