THE Red Lion pub in Arlingham has won a prestigious award only one year after it was bought by the local residents CAMRA, The Campaign for Real Ale has crowned the newly refurbished establishment Gloucester Rural Pub of the Year.

“We’re very proud of our achievements,” said Director Edward Davies. “It’s great people that make a great pub – that means those running the business and those supporting it too.

“Great food, great drink and a great atmosphere; we really do have a ‘local’ to be proud of once more and people are coming from far afield to experience it. After all the effort it’s wonderful to see the pub being so popular and to be recognised and rewarded.”

Previously owned by a popular Pub Company, the Red Lion had suffered years of falling profits, poor trade and was considered non-viable, but the passion of the local community has turned that on its head.

The pub was bought by the villagers back in June 2013 for £225,000, the day before the Grade II building was due to be sold at auction.

Following the amazing campaign, the pub was re-furbished and reopened its doors on November 1, 2013.

Just one year later, the pub has been recognised on a county-wide level and will be entered into the South West regional pub of the year competition.

The pub’s landlord Nick White said: “We were determined to take this opportunity to showcase great ales at their very best. Pictured are managers of the Red Lion Jo and Nick White with the certificate and as Gloucestershire has a plethora of fantastic breweries we can keep things interesting and change guest ales regularly. Our visitors love having something new or unusual to try when they visit us.”

For more information visit: www.redlionarlingham.co.uk