A PUB is pouring with praise after it was voted pub of the year in the district by the area’s most dedicated beer-drinkers. 

The Old Spot Inn has been named the best in Dursley area and will now compete to become the best in Gloucestershire.

The Dursley and district branch CAMRA - Campaign for Real Ale - pub of the year award was recently presented to the Hill Road boozer. 

Owner Ellie Sainty said it was nice to have some ‘cheer’ in these ‘extremely difficult times’ for pubs. 

“We are delighted to have been voted as Dursley and District CAMRA's pub of the year for 2023,” she said. 

"We are excited to win this stage of the competition, the next stages are to win the county and then the regional to be in the running for the national award. 

Gazette Series: The Old Spot team with their pub of the year CAMRA award for the Dursley area The Old Spot team with their pub of the year CAMRA award for the Dursley area (Image: Ellie Sainty, Old Spot Inn)

“There is some stiff competition from some great pubs so we have to do more than just cross our fingers. 

“We have a lovely team at the Spot and fantastic customers who are knowledgeable and love their beer, so we will all have our glasses full of foaming pints and an eye on the prize!

“It's really nice to have some cheer in these extremely difficult times for pubs.”

The award comes as the much-loved pub is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary next month. 

Gazette Series:

The Campaign for Real Ale helps to showcase quality pubs throughout the UK that are worth seeking out and visiting.

The winner of Gloucestershire CAMRA Pub of the Year advances to compete for CAMRA South West Pub of the Year and then onto the national CAMRA Pub of the Year from a shortlist of four. 

So far, three Gloucestershire pubs have scooped the national title of CAMRA Pub of the Year including The Old Spot Inn which previously won in 2008. 

Two other Gloucestershire pubs have won the award including The Salutation Inn, Ham in 2014 as well as The Sandford Park Alehouse, Cheltenham in 2015. 

Gazette Series:

People have been reacting on social media to the news. 

One commenter reads said: “Well done guys, a great pub run by some amazing young people.”

Another said: “Well done to all of you. We popped in last Saturday and it was very busy, lovely and cosy with the fire burning.”

Another comment says: “Totally deserved, best pub by miles! Congratulations and happy anniversary.”