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Pub of the Season – Winter 2016/7 Winner

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

The Great Western Arms - Blockley The Great Western Arms at Blockley was awarded the North Cotswold CAMRA branch winter Pub of the Year. This Hook Norton Pub was taken over by Steve and Mandy Aubrey last march after it had gone through a period of chequered stewardship leaving it struggling to fulfil the potential it no doubt had. The couple had bought the Plough at Stretton on Fosse just over the border in Shakespeare country three years ago and had enhanced this great village pub and been recognised by the local CAMRA branch. So when they took on the Great Western last March the North Cotswold Branch were keen to support them in the hope they could turn the pub around. Over the past year we have not been disappointed as they have given the Great Western a breath of fresh air making it the friendly vibrant premises it now is. The Hook Norton beer range is on offer and in excellent condition. This was a particular labour of love for Steve whose parents had run the pub when he was a teenager. This was some years ago, the exact amount Steve was coy about he said but it was when old boys queued outside on Sunday Lunch times for the 2 hours opening and Scampi and Chips was seen as posh dining!

Report and Photo by Martin Jones