Local boozer scoops regional crown in John Smith's pub competition

The votes have been counted and today the most extraordinary pub in your area can be revealed.

We teamed up with John Smith's to find pubs which, just like its beer, are Only Ordinary By Name.

Entries flooded in from boozers across the region that might seem ordinary at first glance but have an extraordinary story to tell.

And you have been voting for your favourite, which will today be crowned as the local winner of the Only Ordinary By Name competition and receive a £300 prize.

They will also go forward to the national final, where there is a £5,000 prize to be won, including £500 for the winning landlord or landlady as a reward for running Britain's most remarkable pub, and £4,500 to be spent on improvements for customers.

And your local winner, the pub representing your area in the national final, is The White House in Walsall, WS9 0QE.

This pub has been one of the area's most popular drinking establishments since it was first built in the 1950s. It has often been a local talking point, not least when it was the first pub in the Birmingham area to get a video jukebox.

The Whitehouse has always stood out because of its distinctive design, with eye-catching whitewashed brickwork and curved, horseshoe-style walls.

In addition to the locals who have drunk there for years the pub is now attracting all types of new customers with a tasty food menu and regular deals which offer value for money.

Popular dishes include sizzling steak skillets, surf and turf, mixed grill and triple house burger. It's also known for decadent desserts.

Assistant manager Hannah Clark yesterday told how "proud" her team felt to have been crowned Only Ordinary By Name local champions.

She said: "It's just brilliant. Everyone's really excited and happy to know so many people voted for us".

"We're a pub with a happy, family environment within a very close community. We have a lot of regulars who wouldn't think about going out anywhere else. We're going to spend the £300 on a staff night out, to treat the team who have clearly made a big impression on our customers."

Customers who voted to make the pub the Only Ordinary By Name local winner have also taken to the internet to praise the establishment.

One commented: "The staff are so friendly here and make you feel welcome." Another gushed: "Nice staff, nice mains and puddings to die for - delicious."

A third said: "Very good location, comfortable, with reasonable prices, and good and very polite staff."

Hannah says the pub, which "prides itself on the warmest of welcomes", is also an important part of the local community, with regular social events and charity fundraisers helping local good causes.

Owned by the Sizzling Pubs group, it's hosting a cider festival from now until September.

It was also recently awarded the Cask Marque, which recognises it serves real ale in perfect condition.

Hannah is now hoping the pub will impress the expert judging panel, who will decide which pub will be crowned the overall national champion - and receive the £5,000 prize..

Hannah said: "We're now excited about the next stage of the competition. We have a grassy patch outside which we've always wanted to touch up to make into a beer garden, and if we come first, the prize money will really help with this."

The overall winning pub will also get a visit from TV comic Paddy McGuinness, who will drop in for a pint of John Smith's to deliver the national prize.

Take Me Out star Paddy has been fascinated by Britain's extraordinary pubs since his mum saw a ghost when she was working as a barmaid at Ye Olde Man and Scythe in Bolton.

So cheers, and good luck to The Whitehouse.

17th August update: The national winner of the John Smith’s Only Ordinary by Name Pub Competition has now been announced. Follow the link to find out who was crowned Britain’s most extraordinary pub: www.mirror.co.uk/johnsmiths

Please drink responsibly.

Terms Apply. UK residents 18+. Voting has now closed.

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