THERE must be something in the beer at the pub in Spreyton! It was named as Beer Pub of the Year in the Good Pub Guide's national awards.
The awards are flowing for the Tom Cobley Tavern as last month it was judged by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) the best in the South West and in the previous year won that organisation's national Pub of the Year.
Landlord Roger Cudlip, 55, who runs the pub with his wife, Carole, was delighted: 'After all the recent doom and gloom about the economy this is a bit of light. I am absolutely over the moon, its a victory for the "little man." We are a rural pub out in the middle of nowhere so it is superb they have chosen us as the Beer Pub of the Year.
'It is also a great honour for our staff who work so hard to make the pub what it is. This is an old fashioned, community pub and it's good to be recognised in this way.'
Roger, before becoming a landlord. was a North Tawton butcher, and played for North Tawton's rugby, football and bowls teams.
Those skills as a butcher have come in useful as along with the 22 real ales on sale, the free house takes pride in its home-made food.
The editors of the Good Pub Guide followed up recommendations by its readers and the Spreyton tavern proved a popular choice.
Phil Roberts, secretary of the Exeter CAMRA branch, said: The Tom Cobley, we feel, sustains good quality ale consistently. It is a good example of how to get a pub going with a fantastic selection of beers — including many local beers — friendly staff, a good atmosphere and excellent food.'
Mr Roberts said the quality of beer was excellent and CAMRA had noticed that money had been spent on the cellar. 'The Tom Cobley is also a community pub, and this local commitment is exactly what CAMRA is trying to promote, especially with so many pubs under threat these days.'