THE Fleece Inn in Hillesley is a community owned pub with a lot of heart – and manager Sue-Alice Grant truly believes it is Gloucestershire’s best kept secret”.

Sue-Alice took over the Fleece as manager at the end of July and has plans to make a number of positive changes while retaining the community spirit that makes it stand out.

Boasting a range of cask ales operated on a supply-and-demand basis and exciting developments in the kitchen thanks to a new head chef, The Fleece is a tough contender in our new competition.

Purchased by the community three years ago, The Fleece is a listed building that is much loved in the village of Hillesley.

“The way I see it, The Fleece is the best kept secret in Gloucestershire,” said Sue-Alice.

“The first time I saw it I absolutely loved it – both the pub and the people.

“I’ve been made to feel so welcome here since I started.

“The community have shown me so much support.”

Sue-Alice brings a wealth of experience to the job from working Sue-Alice at pubs in Bristol, Wolverhampton and London.

With the whole community behind her and a range of interesting new ideas – like themed food nights, to name but one – The Fleece easily has the potential to be named Pub of the Year.

With just over a week to go before voting closes, the contest is really starting to hot up.

The other four finalists for the Stroud district are the Falcon Steakhouse in Wotton-under-Edge, The Old Badger Inn in Eastington, The Bear Inn in Bisley and The Old Spot in Dursley.

These five pubs received the most nominations, placing them on the shortlist.

We are now profiling the finalists each week and giving readers the chance to vote for the winner using the slip provided on page 23 of this week’s SNJ.

The deadline to vote is October 1, with the winner being revealed in our October 7 edition.