Over one thousand votes have now been cast for The Wilts and Glos Standard Pub of the Year 2019, meaning that competition is now officially more fierce than ever.

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

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

This week we visit The Golden Farm pub in Cirencester.

New management team Sam and Kelly Keen have plenty to smile about as, after less five months at the pub, the popular Cirencester couple's hard work has been recognised - and their loyal customers have ensured that they have been shortlisted for pub of the year.

Set within on the outskirts of Cirencester, the busy pub welcomed Sam and Kelly last November - but while they were new to the pub, they are familiar faces in the Cotswolds town - as they also run the Old Cafe in Cricklade Street and a piercing studio too.

Speaking to the paper when they first took on the keys to the pub back in November Kelly said: "We have been really well received.

"Locals have been very supportive. They already know us.

"We will make a few changes including serving food including basket meals from Wednesday to Saturday.”

And that popularity has been proven - with readers enthusiastically recommending the pub for the "fab Sunday roasts and great value freshly cooked meals".

Dozens of happy customers took the time to email the paper to sing the praises of the pub food at the biggest pub in Cirencester, and the selection of ales were also mentioned several times too.

"There is always a great selection of real ales on offer," one reader told us.

"But the traditional homemade Sunday lunch is the best thing - great roast potatoes and the most amazing Yorkshire puddings - and such generous portions means that no one will go hungry."

And regulars say that the pub is so open and friendly they're happy to pop in for a pint alone - "even as a lone female I feel really fine, it's so warm a cosy," one woman told us.

But the highlight for many seems to be the live music, community events, and open mic nights that the popular venue hosts.

"There's really something for everyone," a regular said.

"From children's discos to bingo and some great live bands too - there's always something going on."

If you would like to vote for The Golden Farm, 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 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.

The pub with the most votes will be crowned Pub of the Year at the end of March.

The winners will be presented with our coveted trophy and certificate, as well as our special prize, a luxurious weekend for two at the historic Brocket Hall Estate in Hertfordshire.

The two-night break for two in Melbourne Lodge will include breakfast, dinner, a round of golf, and a personal tour of one of England’s finest stately homes.

Shortlist for pub of the year:

The Cat & Custard Pot, Shipton Moyne

The Daneway, Sapperton

The Greyhound, Siddington

The Golden Farm, Cirencester

The Golden Cross Inn, Cirencester

The Thames Head, Tetbury Road, Cirencester

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