MORE than 1,000 votes have now been cast for the Gazette 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 Gazette asked readers to tell us why they loved their local.

A full list of the shortlisted pubs appears at the bottom of this report, 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 Royal Oak in Chipping Sodbury.

The Royal Oak is a 17th century coaching house inn which sits right in the heart of the ancient market town at the foot of the stunning Cotswolds.

Opened by John and Rita in 1967 it has been in the hands of the same family for over five decades.

Priding themselves in providing a traditional cozy pub setting, with real fires in the winter and a pretty sunny courtyard for customers to use in the summer, the pub is obviously a popular choice as customers have enthusiastically recommended it for the coveted pub of the year title.

“They’re so friendly here,” one reader said.

“It’s a welcoming pub right in the heart of our community, which has somehow managed to retain its old world charm.”

“Spotlessly clean and everyone is so helpful,” another happy customer said.

And another firm favourite with everyone who wrote to the paper to tell us why they loved their local was the food that comes out of the kitchens in the popular pub.

“It’s traditional pub grub, wholesome, hot and very very tasty,” a contented diner said.

“I love their roasts and their portions are so generous. It’s a great place for a bit of a treat, or just because you can’t be bothered to cook!” said another.

It’s not just the locals that love the pub either. Walkers often make a point of stopping off at the historic coaching inn too to warm themselves by the roaring open fire in the winter, or to quench their thirst in the summer.

And fans of live music can appreciate a packed schedule of talented musicians and performers too, often several times a week, which means that the pub is often packed full of an appreciative audience, even on a Thursday or Sunday night.

A traditional pub, with a cozy feel and a warm welcome to strangers it’s clear that the Royal Oak at Chipping Sodbury deserves it’s place in the list of finalists for the award. But will it get your vote?

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.