Here's the next pub shortlisted for SNJ's top prize

The incredible response is in addition to the 400 nominations that were received from the paper’s readers for the first round of the competition - where the SNJ asked readers to tell us why they loved their local.

Competition has been fierce, and it is down to the number of wonderful pubs that can be founded nestled in the Five Valleys and across to the Severn Vale.

A full list of the shortlisted pubs appear at the bottom of this article, along with details of how to vote, and over the next six weeks we’ll be looking at each pub in detail.

This week we visit The Old Fleece at Rooksmoor.

Situated halfway between Stroud and Nailsworth in Rooksmoor Hill, the 250-year-old former coaching inn sits just off Bath Road, near North Woodchester.

Readers have told the paper that this pub, run by manager Oliver Beardsley, gets their vote because staff are so welcoming.

"The team at the Old Fleece are brilliant," one reader told the SNJ.

"They are so friendly, and helpful and always make you feel really welcome."

And it's not just the warm staff that customers enjoy, they're also fans of the open fires and the beautiful Cotswold stone which they say really sets the mood in the popular roadside pub.

"It's a stone built Cotswold pub with wood fittings," one reader said.

"I think that the ambient lighting really sets the mood and atmosphere."

Of course, dozens of readers mentioned the menu at the pub too - remarking on the high quality food - with one even going as far as to say it is "second to none" and another marvelling at the extensive range and good value.

"The food is always good there," one happy customer told the paper.

"And it's very reasonably priced for the quality and portion sizes.

"I always like to try one of the daily specials."

When asked what special events the pub should be recognised for then the response was unanimous - the pub's celebrations for its 25th birthday last spring were quite a party!

The pub has previously be recognised as an award winner - in 2016 - when Nick Beardsley, the founder of the Cotswold Food Club, which runs three pubs in the district including The Old Fleece described the recognition as 'brilliant'.

“It’s an absolutely brilliant feeling, I’m so proud of the staff here for their amazing work,” Nick told the SNJ.

If you would like to vote for The Old Fleece at Rooksmoor, or any of the other five pubs that have been nominated then you can do so by clicking on the link below.

Voting instructions can be found in full there but the following rules do apply:

• Only one vote will be accepted per email address
• Readers can only vote for the six shortlisted pubs
• Voting will remain open until midnight Sunday, March 24 - all votes received after that time will not be accepted
• All six runners up will receive certificates.
• Landlords, managers and staff are also free to vote for their own pubs

So if you know of a pub that deserves the coveted Stroud News and Journal Pub of the Year 2019 award to hang pride of place on the wall then get your vote in quick - we want to hear from the experts - our readers.

The pub with the most votes will be crowned Pub of the Year at the end of March, and be presented with our coveted trophy and certificate, as well as a special prize.

All six runners up will receive certificates.

Shortlist for pub of the year:

The Crown and Sceptre, Stroud

The Old Badger Inn, Eastington

The Old Fleece, Woodchester

The Prince Albert, Rodborough

The Red Lion, Arlingham

The Ship Inn, Brimscombe

What are you waiting for? Make sure that your favourite pub is recognised as Pub of the Year 2019.

Let us know who you think should win NOW via this link