Express & Star

Dudley and South Staffordshire Camra names area's best pubs - here are the winners

A Brierley Hill pub has been announced as the Dudley and South Staffordshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale's pub of the year.

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The Vine, also known as the Bull and Bladder, in Delph Road came out on top in judging by branch members, pushing last year's winner into second place.

The Vine, which is joined to Batham's brewery, was also praised for its lunchtime food.

The Beacon Hotel in Sedgley
The Beacon Hotel in Sedgley

Last year's winner, the Beacon Hotel in Bilston Street, Sedgley, took second spot, while The Bird in Hand in John Street, Wordsley - another former winner - took third place.

The Cross Inn in Church Street, Kinver, took the title for the rural pub of the year for the second year in a row. 

The winners were selected from more than 350 pubs in the area, which are initially scored for their beer.

Manager Paula Herbert, at Bird in Hand, Wordsley..
Manager Paula Herbert, at Bird in Hand, Wordsley..

A short-list of finalists is then drawn up, and these are assessed for the quality of beer, decor, welcome, community focus and alignment with Campaign for Real Ale values.

The Vine will now be judged in the West Midlands county round and the Cross in the Staffordshire county round of the organisation's national competition.

The Cross Inn, Kinver
The Cross Inn, Kinver