Pub staff 'over the moon' at best in county title

A pub in Malvern is celebrating being crowned Worcestershire's Pub of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).

Alex Whistance, manager at the Nag's Head, said he and his staff were "over the moon" at being chosen by the Worcester branch of Camra, adding the award was a "great achievement".

Whistance has worked at the 19th Century pub for 18 years, managing it for 12 years.

The picturesque pub is proud of its food and ale, including serving six permanent cask ales, up to nine guest cask ales and two permanent craft kegged beers.

Discussing the accolade, Whistance said: "We're really proud of it and it's a great award for the staff who have worked hard for it and the regulars who come in and keep the pub going."

Asked what made the pub special, he added: "Everything from the staff, the customers, the range of beers that we have on, and the food that we serve.

"I'd also like to think the atmosphere we create is old school with no music and no TVs.

"It's what an old-fashioned pub would be. It seems to suit people across all ages, young and old."

The manager added "it would be lovely" to retain the award next year but said "it's also nice to see other pubs get some attention as well".

"It's a difficult time at the minute and we all need to work together to keep this industry going," he said.

"Yes, it would be great to retain it and it's great to get the publicity but it's nice to see a variety of pubs get the recognition they deserve."

The Nag's Head will now progress to the regional contest, where it will face top pubs from across the West Midlands, before competing for the national title if it is successful.

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