THE Stourbridge & Halesowen branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) has announced the winners of its Pub-of-the-Year competition.
Amblecote pub The Swan in Brettell Lane has been named winner of the coveted first place award after CAMRA members visited and rated pubs across the area.
The pub was originally known as the Swan with Two Necks and dates back to at least 1841.
After closing for a short time, it was acquired by the Furious Pub Company in 2021 and refurbished. It reopened in October 2021 under the management of Phillip Guy, who also oversees the Red Lion in Brettell Lane.
The pub offers a selection of real ales, niche lagers, wines, spirits and soft drinks in traditional cosy surroundings and boasts a popular beer garden.
In second place was The Swan in Halesowen.
The pub has occupied a prominent position along Long Lane for over two centuries and the current building dates back to around 1850.
In 2013, after a successful campaign to save it from demolition it was acquired by Black Country Ales and since 2021 it’s been run by Phil and Eva Hardingham.
The pub boasts a dozen handpulls serving a range of beers from Black Country Ales and other micro-breweries, along with draught ciders. It too has a popular beer garden and is renowned for its large cheese and ham cobs.
In third place is previous award-winner, the Crafty Pint in Wassell Road, Halesowen.
Opened in 2016 by Andy and Sherry Davies, the new micro-pub has recently been extended into two adjoining shop units.
It offers real ales, an extensive list of gins and cobs, and is a popular, welcoming community pub.
Stourbridge & Halesowen CAMRA press officer, Steve Pratt, said: “These pubs thoroughly deserve their awards, particularly after the challenging times caused by the Covid pandemic. It’s great to support our local pubs and recognise our award-winning pubs, which consistently serve good quality real ale throughout the year. Long may they prosper.”
The awards will be presented shortly to the winning pubs.
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