PUBS in Herefordshire may have only just reopened indoors after the coronavirus lockdown eased again in England, but one is already celebrating an award.

Herefordshire’s branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has revealed its pub of the year is the Alma Inn at Linton, near Ross-on-Wye.

The Inn is described as community-focussed by Camra – an independent voluntary consumer organisation that campaigns for real ale, real pubs and consumer rights – and judges were impressed with the work of the licensees.

Camra said the Alma Inn, run by Dan and Gemma Evans since 2015, is no stranger to awards as it was previously named Herefordshire pub of the year in 2016 and again in 2018.

The Camra judges were impressed by the quality and imaginative choice of the beers on offer, but were also taken by the way that Dan and Gemma have continued to gently improve the rural pub year on year.

Mark Haslam from Herefordshire Camra said: “The Alma on first inspection from outside looks little different to many other village pubs, but as soon as one crosses the threshold of this cosy, three-room pub, one realises this is a very special place – one that lies at the heart of its village community.

“It pulls off the rare feat of selling great beer, good food, whilst also affording the casual visitor a genuinely convivial and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place that really does have something for everyone.

“It can be considered a true exemplar of what the traditional English village pub should always be, so it should be wholehearted congratulations to Dan and Gemma for all their hard work.”

Runner-up in the annual competition is community-oriented the Bells Inn, in Almeley.

This is the first occasion licensees Jason and Lisa Hudson have been recognised in this competition, but they too are no strangers to awards.

The small village pub also boasts a community shop, which, in 2016, was awarded Best Retail Food Retailer by the BBC Radio 4 programme You & Yours.

Like with the Alma Inn, the Camra judges were particularly impressed with the village pub’s beer offer and community ethos.

Mark Haslam said both pubs had been recognised for their roles in the community.