Our very own Freshfield Pub in Formby is in final of CAMRA's National Pub of Year...

A Formby pub has been named finalist in the National Pub of the Year competition.

The Freshfield in Formby is one of four finalists in CAMRA's, Pub of the Year competition.

Renowned for it's variety of cask ales, fine food and shabby chic ale house decor, The Freshfield was selected for being a 'great example of a community local where the emphasis is on beer quality'.

The Freshfield joins The Harewood Arms in Broadbottom (Greater Manchester) The Salutation Inn in Ham (Gloucestershire) and The Windmill in Sevenoaks Weald (Kent) having won their local and regional competitions before being selected as the final four from a list of 16 regional winners.

Simon Cox, the Freshfield manager, said: “ When we first heard the pub had reached the final 16 for the second year running, we were astonished. To learn we have now reached the final four is a dream come true.

A Greene King pub on Massams Lane in Formby, The Freshfield offers up to 14 ales including 10 guest ales.

The competition looks for a number of things in winning pubs - decor, atmosphere, value for money - but it is the quality of the beer that is always most important.

Cox added: "I am so proud of my team and everything they have helped us to achieve. They constantly deliver and exceed our customers’ expectations. I am not sure how we will celebrate if we win Pub of the Year, but we will definitely be toasting this latest news with a glass of real ale!"

Last year’s winner was The Swan with Two Necks in Pendleton, a cosy, village-centre pub that proved a huge hit with locals and visitors alike.

Gary Chester, competition organiser, said: “ Each of these four fantastic pubs are already winners in their own right and really are well worth a visit from any ale-lovers who find themselves in the area. They will now go forward to fight it out for the overall National Pub of the Year, which will be announced in February next year."

Factfile

Venue: Freshfield Hotel, Massams Lane, Formby (five minutes from Freshfield train station). L37 7BD

Tel: 01704-874871

Website: www.thefreshfield.com

Meal: Four main courses and a pudding board for £46. Drinks extra.

Service: Swift and friendly. But booking is strongly advised in the evening.

Value: Very good.

Disabled access: Yes

Story Source: Liverpool Echo