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THE Old Spot in Dursley is celebrating after winning the prestigious National Pub of the Year' title.

The award was being presented to the pub today by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.

The National Pub of the Year competition analyses all the criteria that makes a good pub, including the quality of the beer, atmosphere, décor, customer service, clientele mix and value for money.

The Old Spot Inn is described in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2008 as "This 100 year old free house, named after the Gloucestershire Old Spot pig, has been sympathetically restored by its owner, Ric Sainty. The intimate atmosphere is enhanced by log fires and brewery memorabilia. As well as Uley's Old Ric, named after the owner, it offers five guest beers, mainly from micro-brewers, served in five separate drinking areas. The wholesome menu is available 12-8pm on week days and 12-3pm at weekends. On the Cotswold Way , this convivial local is a popular watering hole for walkers. The secluded garden has a boules piste."

Julian Hough, CAMRA's pubs director and one of the final judges, said: "The Old Spot Inn is a great example of how successful a well-run community pub can be.

"Steve and Belinda are dedicated to maintaining the local character of the pub within the community and realise that quality real ales are an important factor in offering their local choice at the bar. I would like to congratulate everybody at the Old Spot Inn on being judged Britain 's finest pub."

Steve Herbert, licensee of the Old Spot, said: "I am overwhelmed at winning the National Pub of the Year award.

"To be judged the best pub in Britain is a dream come true. Belinda and I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work over the last year, and the locals for their loyalty to the Old Spot Inn. Without them this wouldn't be possible."

He added: "Being born and bred in Dursley means a lot to me and to be able to bring this award to this wonderful pub gives me a great sense of achievement."

Ric and Ellie Sainty, owners of the Old Spot Inn, began the transformation in 1993 when they bought the run-down Whitbread pub, then called the Fox & Hounds, and turned it into a local pub where people from all walks of life could feel at home.

Ric and Ellie retired in 2001 and Steve and Belinda Herbert took over as licensees and have built on Ric and Ellie's success.

The National Pub of the Year award will be presented in the run up to Community Pubs Week, which starts tomorrow.

The aim of this campaign is to encourage more people to visit pubs more regularly at this traditionally quiet time of the year for the pub trade.

Do you agree with the judges' choice? Let us know by posting your opinion below.

9:23am Friday 15th February 2008

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