Regulars got more than they bargained for when they headed to The Bailey Head, in Oswestry, for a Campaign for Real Ale awards presentation.
Bailey Head staff, regulars, and CAMRA members at the presentation
They knew that the multi-award-winning pub would be receiving certificates from CAMRA as Shropshire county pub of the year and Shropshire county cider pub of the year.
What they didn’t know was that the pub has gone on to win CAMRA West Midlands regional cider pub of the year, and that owners Grace Goodlad and Duncan Borrowman were to be presented with the certificate for that, as well.
Duncan said: “We massively upped our real cider range a year ago, but we never expected to win this for an area covering Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and West Midlands Metropolitan.
“We are still being judged in the West Midlands pub of the year competition against some incredibly good pubs, and in the national cider pub of the year competition. It is all a bit nerve racking!”
Grace added: “We must thank all of our regular customers for their support, but also our superb team of staff, who make this happen.”
CAMRA area organiser, Dave Ricketts, said: “It’s a real privilege to have a pub as good as The Bailey Head in the region, and particularly in my home branch of Shrewsbury and West Shropshire.
“The Bailey Head has great hosts in Grace and Duncan, and they and their staff are extremely knowledgeable about the beers and ciders they sell. Everything is always top quality and the pub is so friendly. It’s always a joy to visit.”
