Pub scoops annual UK cider honour

The pub makes its own cider (picture www.beerintheevening.com)

A Dorset pub has been crowned the National Cider Pub of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The Square and Compass in Worth Matravers finished runner-up in last year's contest, but has recently started making its own cider.

It is one of only nine pubs in the UK to have featured in all 36 editions of CAMRA's Good Beer Guide.

Judges were impressed that features of its 200-year history were still intact. The award was presented on Wednesday.

One judge said it was "a characterful pub with beautiful vistas over the channel and an excellent array of cider".

Landlord Charlie Newman said: "We have dabbled with the idea of making cider and I did a trial run and source fruit as local as possible.

"The customers are obviously enjoying it on reflection on this award."

Andrea Briers, chair of CAMRA's cider and perry committee, said: "It is a perfect example of a pub that has thrived due to a great variety of locally-sourced produce, and a continual commitment to diversity."

Other finalists in the category were the Valley Bar, Scarborough, Coopers Tavern, Burton-upon-Trent and the Odd One Out, Colchester.