With just over a week remaining for people to vote for their favourite local in the Gazette series Pub of the Year competition voting has reached a ferocious level, with thousands of people clamouring to ensure that their favourite pub wins the accolade.

Votes are pouring in for the pubs with the warmest welcome, the best food and the finest ales, and it’s set to be closer than ever: every day another 100 entries slide into the Gazette inbox.

A full list of the shortlisted pubs appears at the bottom of this story, along with details of how to vote, and over the last five weeks we have been looking at each pub in detail.

This week we visit the Anchor Inn, Thornbury.

The pub, which is on Gloucester Road, is open every day from 9am until 11pm, but if you are wanting food then there are more specific opening times.

Located just 30 minutes away from Bristol and Gloucester, the pub has a number of features that regulars can enjoy.

There is a large beer garden that families can enjoy, with a new children’s play area helping to occupy the kids throughout the warmer months.

There is also a large boules piste that many groups use during the year. Groups include crib, dominoes, fishing and cricket.

The team at the Anchor also draw attention to their newly refurbished snug bar that is in the original pub building.

That building itself dates back to the 1600s.

As well as offering a wide range of meals on its menu, the pub also offers a great selection of homemade cakes and other treats.

One reader who nominated the pub told us: “It is a wonderful place. It is just on the outskirts of Thornbury, and is much-loved.

“There is a reasonable choice of classic dishes and it is reasonably priced as well.

“The Anchor always has a good atmosphere and the staff are very friendly.”

Another reader said: “Wonderful home-cooked food, lovely friendly staff, great menu and fantastic value.

“From the moment you arrive at this traditional village pub you feel at home.

“The staff are friendly and attentive, happy to help and ensure you have a super experience.”

The menu itself offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and evening meals at set times throughout the day. The pub itself also offers a great range for those with specific dietary requirements, with gluten- free, vegan and vegetarian options available.

Reviews on TripAdvisor are just as impressive as the comments here at the Gazette. It is clear to see that the team and atmosphere are a big part of why the the pub has been nominated to join the other five pubs in the final.

To vote for your favourite visit the Gazette website, but be quick because voting closes in just over a week!

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 31. 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.

Vote for your favourite pub here

The finalists 

  1. Rose & Crown, Rangeworthy
  2. The Fleece, Hillesley
  3. Old Spot Inn, Dursley
  4. The Royal Oak, Sodbury
  5. Anchor Inn, Thornbury
  6. The Falcon, Wotton-under-Edge