A POPULAR Halesowen pub which was once threatened with closure has been presented with a CAMRA award.

The Swan on Long Lane has been named runner-up in CAMRA'S pub-of-the-year award by its Stourbridge and Halesowen branch.

Amblecote pub The Swan in Brettell Lane won the coveted first-place award after CAMRA members visited and rated pubs across the area.

In 2013, the Swan on Long Lane was threatened with closure and demolition, to be replaced by a supermarket.

Hundreds of local people signed petitions against the proposal and after a long fight, they won their case to preserve the business as a public house and Black Country Ales stepped in to purchase and refurbish the pub.

Presenting the award, CAMRA branch chairman, Tim Cadwell said: “Congratulations to Phil and Eva and their team who have done an amazing job in ensuring that the pub consistently serves a good pint.

"Winning the Pub-of-the-Year Runner-Up award is not just the result of a vote, but is based on a judging process where branch volunteers visit each of the nominated pubs and score according to criteria such as beer quality, service, cleanliness and overall feel.

"We all know that the economic climate is very difficult for businesses, but pubs like the Swan appear to be thriving because what they are doing is being done so well.”

Licensees Phil and Eva Hardingham moved into the pub in 2021 from the Vine at Wednesfield.

They said “We’re really pleased to have been presented with our award and thank CAMRA and all our customers”.

The Swan was first shown on a tythe map of 1750, but the present building probably dates from a century later, although parts of the original building may survive.

Nowadays, real ale is to the fore, serving a range of Black Country Ales’ beers and a variety of guest ales, along with draught ciders and an extensive range of gins, other spirits and soft drinks.

The tasty cobs are also renowned locally.