Village pub ‘gem’ wins top Camra accolade

Landlord of the Salutation Inn Peter Tiley behind the bar at the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) Pub of the Year.

Photo: Ben Birchall/PA Wire — Landlord of the Salutation Inn Peter Tiley behind the bar at the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) Pub of the Year. Photo: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

A VILLAGE pub ran by a former business analyst who had never pulled a pint before he decided to switch careers has been named Pub of the Year.

The Salutation Inn, a rural freehouse in the small village of Ham, Gloucestershire, was awarded the accolade by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), which described it as a “gem”.

The judges were overwhelmed by the welcome drinkers receive, one saying: “It’s like being invited into a private house.”

Landlord Peter Tiley, who took over the running of the pub with his wife Claire two years ago, said he was “totally shell-shocked” to have won.

The Kelham Island Tavern in Sheffield made it to the final 16 of the competition, which judged pubs on atmosphere, level of service, value for money and community focus.