A HALESOWEN pub has been recognised in CAMRA'S Pub of the Year competition.

The King Edward VII on Stourbridge Road, which is one of the oldest pubs in Halesowen, came third in the Stourbridge and Halesowen CAMRA branch's competition.

Branch chairman Tim Cadwell presented the award to landlady Barbara Woodin on Thursday July 14.

He said over the year the Stourbridge Road pub, which is next to Halesowen Town FC's ground, has consistently served top-quality real ales from a variety of local and other breweries from around the country.

Barbara and her late partner, Ray, took over the 'King Eddy' in 2012 and have already won several CAMRA awards, along with a regular place in CAMRA’s Great British Beer Guide.

Up to eight cask-conditioned real ales are usually on offer, along with a range of excellent draught ciders, keg lagers, wines, spirits and soft drinks.

Barbara said: “It’s great to have CAMRA’s endorsement for all our hard work in serving a range of high-quality cask ales.”

The King Edward VII is one of the oldest pubs in Halesowen, starting life in 1861 as the 'Heart in Hand' and renamed in 1901 to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII.

The pub was originally an Ansell’s house, but is now a privately-owned free house at the heart of the local community.

The walls of the rooms are adorned with interesting pictures and brewery memorabilia.

Halesowen News:

The pub on Stourbridge Road, Halesowen (Pic: Google) 

CAMRA’s branch Press Officer, Steve Pratt, said: “It’s great to support our local pubs and recognise those that consistently serve good quality real ale to the local community throughout the year.”

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is also continuing its Summer of Pub campaign up to August 29.

This encourages people to head down to their local pubs and support them after a difficult two years.