The Freshfield Pub in Formby is One the Top Four Pubs in the Country.....

Our very own Freshfield pub in Formby is one of three runners-up in national pub of the year contest.

Let’s hear it for The Freshfield – one of the top four pubs in the country.

The team at “The Freshie” on Massams Lane in Formby is celebrating after it was named as one of the three runners-up in the national Camra Pub of the Year Award 2014.

Its success in reaching the final four follows on from last year’s achievement in making the last 16.

The Campaign for Real Ale compares over 50,000 pubs across the country on service, atmosphere, value for money, community engagement and quality of real ale.

The Freshfield manager, Simon Cox, who has been with the pub since 2012, said: “When we heard the pub was in the final 16 for the second year running, we were thrilled. When we reached the final four, it was already a dream come true.

“We are so proud to be recognised by Camra as a top real ale pub. We will be raising a glass in thanks to our team and customers tonight – their unwavering support has been absolutely priceless and we could not have achieved so much without them.”

Jonathan Webster, managing director for Greene King’s Local pubs said: “This is a fantastic result for The Freshfield. The team is passionate about real ale, customer service and excellent value, and this recognition from Camra is extremely well-deserved.”

The Freshfield permanently offers 14 cask ales on the bar, five craft beers on draught, 15 bottled craft beers and at least one real cider.

Since 2014, the pub is estimated to have worked with over 150 breweries; has held numerous community events, including beer and food pairing evenings, Meet the Brewer nights, and a 100-strong real ale festival; and introduced a beer-infused tapas menu featuring beer battered cod goujons and mini steak and ale pies.

Since 2012, The Freshfield has won nine awards. It was also recently nominated for BBC Countryfile’s Rural Pub of the Year award, with the winning pub to be announced soon.

The Salutation Inn, a rural free house in the village of Ham, Gloucestershire, was named Camra’s National Pub of the Year, while the other finalists were The Harewood Arms in Broadbottom, Greater Manchester and The Windmill in Sevenoaks Weald, Kent.