Timeless village inn an hour from Bristol wins South West pub of the year award

A timeless village inn just an hour’s drive from Bristol has won the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) South-West Regional Pub of the Year 2023.

The Halfway House at Pitney near Somerton has already won the local Somerset CAMRA branch Pub of the Year title on many occasions.

The family-run free house has now gone on to win the regional award.In a region that stretches from the North Cotswold area of Gloucestershire to the tip of Cornwall, the pub faced very strong competition from other CAMRA branch winners to be named one of the top 16 pubs in the country.

Commenting on the award, CAMRA’s South-West Regional Director Peter Bridle said: “The Halfway House is a fantastic community pub with a great ambiance and atmosphere. As well as being a focal point for the local area, the pub is full of character with flagstone flooring, old solid wooden tables and benches and three real fireplaces. The pub is a great place to spend time with friends, family and the local community.

“The pub scored highly in all the judging criterion, including service and welcome, community focus and atmosphere and the quality and condition of real ale and cider.

“There were some fantastic pubs nominated by the other CAMRA branches in the region, so for the Halfway House to come out top is a testament to just how great this establishment is.”

Located midway between Langport and Somerton (hence the name Halfway House), the pub serves up to ten real ales of varying beer styles from independent breweries, including a range of changing guest beers, which are served direct from the cask. There is also a good selection of real ciders.

Last year, the Somerset CAMRA branch presented the Halfway House a special award for featuring in the last 30 editions of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.As well as its great drinks offering, the pub serves homemade food seven days a week. The pub also has a garden with a bar, plus a marquee which is available for hire for special events.

Joint owners and licensees Mark and Lucie David said that they were shocked upon learning they had the South West regional title, describing the award as a lot to take on board after already achieving the Somerset branch Pub of the Year.

Mark said, “We are overwhelmed to have won this award in just a year of owning The Halfway House. We cannot tell you how honoured we are. It is all down to our wonderful staff and ongoing loyal customers! We would like to thank them all!”

The Halfway House and the other top 15 pubs will now go forward to the grand final for the National Pub of the Year 2023 crown – the highest accolade afforded to British pubs. The final four will be announced in October, before the overall winner is announced early 2024.