Four pubs shortlisted for award

Four pubs from different parts of the UK have been shortlisted in a prestigious pub of the year competition.

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) said the finalists included last year's winner and a pub sited next to the first-ever Co-op shop.

The four are the Bridge End Inn, Ruabon, North Wales, which won last year; the Conquerer Alehouse in Ramsgate, Kent, one of a growing number of outlets dubbed "micro pubs", which are essentially small conversions of existing buildings; the Baum in Rochdale, sited next to the original Co-op store which serves today as the Pioneers Museum charting the birth to the Co-operative movement; and the Tom Cobley Tavern in Spreyton, Devon.

Camra pubs director Julian Hough said: "In challenging economic times, it's a credit to each of these four pubs and their teams that they have reached the national final.

"Uniquely this year, all four are diverse in terms of size and business model. These pubs exemplify how combining first quality real ale, listening to the needs of their customer and community base, supporting local breweries and paying attention to detail can drive trade."

The winner will be announced next February.