IS YOUR local the best pub in the area?

Does it serve delicious pub grub, offer an unrivalled selection of real ales, or have friendly staff who make it worthy of an award?

Whatever the reason, you can share everything you love about your favourite pub by nominating it to win the Gazette’s new Pub of the Year competition.

We are teaming up with Stroud MP Neil Carmichael to find the best watering hole in Dursley, Cam and Berkeley, and the winning landlords will not only receive a trophy but also be invited to spend a day in Westminster and serve their brewery’s beer at a bar inside the Houses of Parliament.

Mr Carmichael said: “Local pubs really matter to our communities and there are many very good pubs across the district.

“It will be a difficult task, but it is a fabulous opportunity for pubs to enter this excellent competition, which I have given my support.”

Landlord at Dursley’s The Old Spot, Josh Bailey, said the competition will help local pubs.

“Pubs like The Old Spot are the hub of the community.

“They are meeting places where people come to socialise, catch up on local events and discuss local issues.

“The Gazette is the newspaper that provides our area with information about events in the area and a wide range of topics.

“We use it regularly to get the ‘word’ out to a large audience of readers about news and events in The Old Spot.

“We are one of the best pubs in Gloucestershire in my opinion – and we always have a copy of the Gazette on the bar.

“We find it works well when local businesses work together to create a vibrant town that locals and visitors can enjoy.”

Asked about the Spot’s chances in the competition, Josh said: “Well naturally I think we’re the best pub in the county here. We have such a diversity in our clientele and we’re becoming more active in the community, so I think we have as good a chance as anybody.”

To nominate your favourite pub in Dursley, Cam, Berkeley and the surrounding area, email reporter Stuart Rust at stuart.rust@gazette series.co.uk

Watch this space for further details on the competition, which will involve a public vote.