The Golden Heart Inn, Gloucester - this year's Pub of the Year

When it comes to top pubs the south west rules!

By LFTO News Team

Outdoor headlines

12 November 2008 10:27

The Good Pub Guide 2009, published by Ebury Press, £15.99

Pubs in the south west of Britain have taken more than their fair share of awards for providing us with the warmest welcome and best tipple after an energy sapping trek.

The newly published Good Pub Guide 2009 has named its top pubs in the country.

This year’s Pub of the Year is The Golden Heart Inn, near Birdlip, Gloucestershire. With local ales, fantastic food and a log fire this place is surely every walker’s dream.

For those who really enjoy real ale the Tom Cobley, in Spreyton, Devon, won the Beer Pub of the Year award. It serves up to 22 ales at any one time.

If you like a traditional look and feel, the Square & Compass, in Worth Matravers, Dorset was awarded the Unspoilt Pub of the Year. There’s no bar counter so beers here are served through two hatches in the corridor.

Moving along the south coast the Royal Oak in Fritham, Hampshire won Country Pub of the Year and Six Bells, in Chiddingly, Sussex, got Bargain Pub of the Year.

The Groes Inn, in Ty’n-y-groes, Wales, won Inn of the Year and you can’t beat the Scots when it comes to a wee dram. The Port Charlotte Hotel, in the Isle of Islay, won the award of Whisky Pub of the Year.

For a full review of The Golden Heart and for walking routes to the top pubs get the latest edition of Country Walking – out this week!