A FAMILY-run pub is raising a glass after being named the county's pub of the season.
Landlord of the King's Head in Docklow, Paul English, who runs the pub near Leominster alongside his son, Ashley, said he was "chuffed" to have scooped the award from the Herefordshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), adding it's nice for the family's work to be recognised.
After moving from Kent, the family reopened the pub in 2021 and have since earned a place in the Good Beer Guide in four out of the past five years.
Mr English said he thought the pub's annual beer festival in August had helped clinch the award, an event which features an array of ales and ciders over the weekend, with the final day reserved as a family event with bouncy castles and face painting.
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This year, alongside its "proper pub grub" menu, the family have also added a new business in the beer garden, Smash and Smoke, where Ashley serves an array of smoked meats, pulled pork, ribs, smashed burgers, and sides from Friday night to Sunday.
Ashley told the Hereford Times in May that he felt it was time for a fresh culinary direction, choosing to focus on serving the food he enjoys most.
Mr English senior said his son's new venture had been "really successful", and they have even earned reviews comparing them to the Beefy Boys.
The pub will continue serving the smoked menu indoors through winter due to its popularity, he added.
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