Cheers as The Salopian Bar named Pub of the Year again
Real ale drinkers have been raising a glass once again to a bar in Shrewsbury that has claimed another victory in a local pub of the year competition.
The Salopian Bar in Smithfield Road has been chosen as Shropshire's Pub of the Year 2012 by the Shrewsbury and West Shropshire Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.
A total of 600 Camra members participated in the vote, with the Salopian Bar winning the competition for the fourth time since 2008.
The bar also won the award in 2008, 2009 and 2011, finishing in the runner-up position in 2010.
Owner Ollie Parry said he was delighted with the victory, especially as the pub's sales are well up on last year.
"I'm over the moon to have won Shrewsbury and West Shropshire Camra's top pub award once more," he said.
"This has been a good year for us. Cask ales have risen seven years in a row, and 2012 sales are up by around 10,000 pints compared with 2011."
Nigel Bevan, branch secretary of the local Camra group, said that The Salopian Bar deserved to retain its crown once again.
"The Salopian Bar is a worthy winner. It offers a great range of real ales at a consistently high standard. Owner Ollie Parry and his staff are always welcoming and friendly," he said.
Chairman of the branch Norrie Porter added: "The pub also organises social events for its customers, including beer and football related trips."
