Tewkesbury pub scoops real ale award

Having a strong belief in the value of real ale has reaped its rewards for Bill and Emma Lopez-Churm.

The couple, who run the Nottingham Arms in Tewkesbury High Street, have won the Campaign for Real Ale's Pub of the Season award for autumn 2009.

Bill and Emma are the first to get the award from the Tewkesbury branch of CAMRA.

Bill Hunt, for the branch, said: "We've introduced it to encourage pubs to have real ale and support the landlords who provide it.

"At the Nottingham Arms, the beers are all well kept. Bill and Emma produce an interesting range. It's their first pub. They're doing a good job and deserve recognition."

Bill Lopez-Churm said: "It's a great accolade to have. We work hard to keep our real ales in tip-top condition.

"It enforces our belief that cask ales are an important part of the pub industry. It's the only growth area as far as we're aware."

He and Emma make sure the pub has two real ales, Gloucestershire- brewed Wickwar Bob and the Cornish ale Sharp's Doom Bar, always available.