Town and country shared the honours as judges from Herefordshire’s Campaign for Real Ale decided the Green Dragon Inn at Bishops Frome and the Barrels on Hereford’s St Owen Street should be joint winners of their 2008 award.
Neither pub is a stranger to awards: the Barrels has won the accolade on five previous occasions since the competition started in 1992, while the Green Dragon Inn has finally shared the top prize, after being named runner-up and best country pub in 2006 and again in 2007.
Judges were particularly impressed with the outstanding range and quality of beer available from both winning pubs. Their prices are some of the most competitive in the county – proving that you can get quality and value for money in Herefordshire, said judges. The 16th Century Grade-II listed Green Dragon Inn had gone from strength to strength since owners Simon and Alison Durrant took over in 2005.
Mark Haslam of Herefordshire CAMRA said: “It wasn’t just the pub’s great charm and character that won the day, but the enthusiasm and dedication that Simon and Alison show for the beer, the pub and their customers.
“I’m delighted for them and feel confident that they will continue to work on further improving and developing the pub.”
The Barrels is run by Stoke-Lacy based Wye Valley Brewery, is considered by many to be a Hereford institution. It is the only city pub that warrants a mention in the Rough Guide to Great Britain.
CAMRA judges were impressed by how the pub had grown and developed without losing its charm, character and friendliness.
A new bar and improved yard drinking area made it more popular than ever across a diverse range of age and backgrounds. It continued to achieve something that too few city pubs did – provided a welcome for all, said judges.
“The Barrels is rightly now a part of Hereford’s folklore. Many people from outside the county often think of the Barrels when they think of Hereford.
“This award shows that we must never take all the hard work that has been put in to achieve this for granted,” said Mark Haslam.
