Yorkshire pub wins historic second title

The Kelham Island Tavern in Sheffield, described as a "small gem", was awarded the title for 2009 by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.

The pub had picked up the same award in 2008, and became the first pub in CAMRA's history to win its most coveted accolade in consecutive years.

Only two other pubs have ever won the award twice – the Fat Cat, Norwich, and the Swan at Little Totham, Essex.

Pubs are judged on a number of criteria, including the quality of the beer, atmosphere, customer service and all-round value of the visit. The competition is overseen by CAMRA's 110,000-strong membership.

The pub, which was rescued from dereliction in 2002, has 10 permanent hand pumps and an award-winning beer garden.

Kelham Island Tavern licensee Trevor Wraith said: "We are once again overwhelmed at the judge's results and delighted to be awarded CAMRA's top prize for the second year running.

"It's truly a great achievement and something we never dreamt of when we first opened."