MP congratulates Oswestry pub The Bailey Head on being named Best in Britain tabling Early Day Motion to Parliament

The Bailey Head in Oswestry has been crowned by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) as its 2024 Pub of the Year.

The pub had been struggling under previous ownership by a major pub company and was listed by CAMRA as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) to protect it from redevelopment.

But nine years ago, it was purchased by Duncan Borrowman and Grace Goodlad who poured their knowledge and passion into transforming the pub.

It's been quite a turnaround since then, and MP Helen Morgan joined more than 100 Oswestrians at a ceremony to present the award which featured on national television and on The One Show.

Mrs Morgan has now submitted an Early Day Motion to congratulate Duncan, Grace and their staff for their hard work and service to the community in Oswestry, and called for further support for British pubs.

The Early Day Motion has called for the House of Commons to recognise the challenges that pubs have faced in recent years and acknowledge the fantastic achievement by the Oswestry pub. 

It proposed: "That this House congratulates the staff of The Bailey Head pub in Oswestry on their outstanding achievement of winning the prestigious CAMRA 2024 Pub of the Year competition... recognises the challenges faced by pubs in recent years due to economic pressures and changing social habits... praises the pub's dedication to providing outstanding drinks and snacks, a feeling of community within Oswestry and exceptional service; acknowledges the sense of community, effort and commitment that the team at The Bailey Head has shown in establishing a warm atmosphere for both locals and visitors; and underlines the significance of pubs as essential social centres that contribute significantly to local economies and offer a place for people to come together."

As of the time of writing, the motion has been signed by 11 MPs, all of them Lib Dems.

Helen Morgan said: “It should come as no surprise to anyone that the best pub in Britain is in the best constituency in Britain – North Shropshire.

“The awards ceremony was a fantastic celebration of our community, with a brilliant attendance from all over Oswestry and beyond. A huge thank you to everyone who came along.

“I’m delighted to have tabled an Early Day Motion to Parliament which I hope will bring some further national attention to the incredible achievement of a very special pub at the heart of our community.”