THERE were cheers at The Swan in Amblecote as the pub was presented with a runner-up certificate as part of CAMRA’s Pub of the Year contest.

The Stourbridge & Halesowen branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presented the Brettell Lane boozer with the accolade on August 7.

The pub was praised for its fine selection of ever-changing real ales, niche lagers, wines and spirits and bar snacks which are served in traditional, homely and cosy surroundings or in the popular beer garden to the rear.

Presenting the runner-up award, branch chairperson Tim Cadwell said: “The Swan has consistently been winning CAMRA awards since its refurbishment in October 2021 by the Furious Pub Company, and thoroughly deserves its Pub-of-the-Year runner-up award this year.”

The Robin Hood at Amblecote won first place, with The Swan picking up the second place prize and Stourbridge’s Queen’s Head came third.

Manager Kirsty Sprague thanked CAMRA for the accolade and said: “It’s a team effort by all our staff who I also thank.”

Kirsty has been manager of The Swan for the last three years, under the helpful eye of landlord Phillip Guy who also runs The Red Lion.

The Swan was originally known as the Swan with Two Necks and dates back to 1841 when it was owned by Richard Davies of Dudley. It was later taken over by Joule’s of Stone in Staffordshire and passed to Mitchells & Butlers in 1968.

After being bought by Geoff Cook in 1985, the pub was acquired in 2021 by the Furious Pub Company, which also operates the Red Lion in Brettell Lane.

CAMRA will be promoting National Cask Ale Week between September 19 to 29, giving people chance to sample some of the country’s best cask-conditioned beers.

Branch press officer Steve Pratt said: “Amblecote is a great place to sample those beers, with several other award-winning pubs including the Starving Rascal, Robin Hood, Red Lion and Maverick within easy walking distance.”