STAFF and customers at The Queen's Head in Stourbridge said a socially-distant 'cheers' after the popular boozer was named Pub of the Year by the local CAMRA group.

The Enville Street pub was presented with an award on Wednesday (October 14) by members of the Stourbridge and Halesowen CAMRA.

CAMRA’s local press officer, Steve Pratt, said “It’s a shame that due to current Covid restrictions, we couldn’t advertise this presentation to give it the pomp and ceremony it deserves, but it’s pleasing to be able to give this award-winning pub much-needed support while minimising the risk to individual members."

The Pub of the Year award recognises the consistent quality and condition of cask-conditioned ales served at pubs across the Stourbridge and Halesowen areas.

Over the year, CAMRA members score the beers on the WhatPub app and the judging panel visit the top-scoring pubs.

The winner is the pub that gains the highest score overall, when other factors such as pub ambience and facilities are taken into account.

Steve said The Queen's Head was a worthy winner and added: "We encourage everyone, especially CAMRA members, to visit The Queen’s Head individually, at a time when they feel safe, in line with the current coronavirus guidelines.

"And we hope all our local pubs will continue to serve great real ale in the current challenging circumstances, as well as ensuring the latest Covid regulations are adhered to.

"It would be a real shame if any of our pubs had to close because they were not properly following the latest rules."