CAMRA’S PUB OF THE MONTH
The Old Smithy ‘forges’
ahead as CAMRA’s
pub of the month
I
t was drinks all round at one local pub as it
celebrated being awarded the hotly contended
Heart of Staffordshire CAMRA Group
(Campaign for Real Ale) Pub of the Month title
recently.
The Old Smithy in Eccleshall forged ahead as
November’s voted for winning pub with landlord
Martin King proudly pictured receiving the
accolade from CAMRA Branch Chairman Mike
Harker.
Commenting on the win Neil Butler of CAMRA
said: “After a series of pubco licensees the
property was bought late in 2011 by Martin King.
Martin had successfully run The Badger in
Eccleshall for 18 years and wanted to expand his
horizons from the constraints of a pubco
business.
The building was thoroughly refurbished
during the cold winter of 2012 and re-opened in
February 2012.
“The food is traditional English style and
locally sourced where ever possible. The four
beers are from national brands although there is
occasionally a local beer from a micro brewery.
“The opening hours are 11.30am to around
11.30pm daily although closing times may vary
with the number of customers enjoying the
ambiance. Food is served daily from 12.00pm to
3pm and 5.30pm to 9.30pm.”
The pub is part of the local community and
sponsors both Eccleshall’s Cricket Club and
Eccleshall Rugby Club.
December 2013/ January 2014 27