'I'm incredibly proud' - Banbury pub landlord delighted to win North Oxfordshire CAMRA 'Pub of the Year'

The White Horse on North Bar was awarded the Pub of the Year certificate by the North Oxfordshire CAMRA chair at a ceremony last week (May 9).

It was given the award after CAMRA members voted the pub as having the best selection of beers and ales, a good atmosphere and friendly and helpful staff.

A spokesperson for CAMRA North Oxfordshire said: “The White Horse, Banbury, came out top this year due to their varied choice of cask-conditioned real ales, warm welcoming atmosphere, and friendly and helpful bar staff.

“The voters particularly appreciated the effort made by the bar staff to ensure that the pub is welcoming to all and that gluten-free beer options are always available.”

The pub, although owned by Leicester brewery Everards, has been run as an independent business by landlords Ken and Eileen Thompson since 2015, allowing them the freedom to choose the pub’s drink selection.

Ken said: “I’m incredibly proud. We have been close for 15 years, and to finally get it now feels great.

"By winning this accolade, we are now one of CAMRA’s top 91 good beer pubs in the country.

"CAMRA commented that it wasn’t just the good beer, but it’s the welcome customers get and the knowledge of the great staff I have here that supports me.”

A packed-out pub celebrated the evening, with almost 70 free drinks poured so that the crowd could raise a glass for the White Horse.

The pub will now be nominated for CAMRA’s regional Pub of the Year competition, which will see it face off against the best pubs from nearby counties.