Herefordshire Pubs of the Year 2011
The Sun Outshines the Pack
It will surprise few Hopvine readers who have visited the delightful Sun Inn at Leintwardine to learn it has been voted Herefordshire Pub of the Year for 2011. Since two-man local consortium, consisting of Gary Seymour and Nick Davis, bought and saved the unique pub (with a little help from Herefordshire CAMRA) back in November 2009, it has been all change and yet no change at this historic two-bar village inn.
The Sun Inn will always have a place in the nation’s heart, especially following the death of nonagenarian landlady, Flossie Lane, back in June 2009. Its future was in the balance for a while, but Gary and Nick were true to their word, when they bought the 200-year old Grade-II listed pub. In the process they saved a throwback to a simpler time when all village pubs would have been like the Sun Inn. It is still credited today as probably being the least-spoiled pub in the UK.
One or two purists may not approve of some of the developments. These include an expansion in the range of drinks, and the addition of a discreet and very appropriate single-floor extension to the rear. But what needs to be appreciated is that there was a need to put the place on a sustainable commercial footing. It would have been unrealistic to expect a buyer to come in and preserve the pub in aspic. How long could anyone afford to run it as a museum piece? Gary and Nick have struck a remarkable balance – and in so doing have immaculately preserved Flossie’s parlour and the original red-brick bar. No mean achievement. It was this aspect, along with the exceptional quality of beer that particularly impressed the CAMRA judges. Today, the Sun Inn remains a living legacy to a unique landlady, Flossie. She held counsel at this timeless pub for over 70 years. However, it now sells a range of beers by hand-pump and straight from the barrel, something it was never able to do in the past - such was the paucity of custom. Today more people can enjoy this wonderful rural curiosity precisely because of these changes, but importantly, they have been achieved without throwing the baby out with the bathwater. The pub does not do meals and eschews other vulgar modern trappings. We’re sure that Flossie would have approved, certainly the CAMRA judges did when voting it No.1 for Herefordshire!
On learning of the award, co-owner and licensee, Gary Seymour said: “It is great to win this accolade. It doesn’t just reflect on our recent hard work, but also recognises the history and the contribution from Flossie. We can all drink to that!”
There will be a presentation at the Sun Inn on the 10th February.
The Sun Inn, Rosemary Lane, Leintwardine, Herefordshire, SY7 0LP. (01547) 540705 11am (5pm Mon) -11pm; 12noon-10.30pm Sun. www.suninn-leintwardine.co.uk
Barrels very nearly does it again!
Hereford's Barrels is a veteran of this competition, having won five times, but being Herefordshire CAMRA Runner-up and Town Pub of the Year 2011 is almost a new experience. And it was only by the tiniest margin that the Sun Inn claimed the top spot.
The Barrels is one of the last traditional multi-roomed pubs in left Hereford, its four bars attracting a wide range of clientele. It is a pub that appeals to many tastes, supporting quiz, crib, pool and ladies and gents skittles teams. Whether you are a diehard local or a first-time visitor to the city, you will always find a warm welcome at the Barrels. Well done to Peter and Fran and their team.
Freed from the need to accommodate Wye Valley Brewery, a new bar and function room has been established, and the outdoor areas have evolved steadily over recent years. As a result, the courtyard is perpetually lively, seemingly irrespective of the weather. Highlight of the year is the August Bank Holiday Charity Beer Festival which has raised huge sums for county charities over its 24-year history.
The Barrels sells all of the Wye Valley award-winning beer range, including the monthly specials, and also Thatchers Heritage draught cider.
The Barrels, 69 St. Owen Street, Hereford HR1 2JQ. (01432) 274968 Open 11am - 11.30pm daily (midnight Fri/Sat)