With just two weeks remaining in the Stroud News and Journal Pub of the Year competition voting has reached a ferocious level, with thousands of people clamouring to ensure that their favourite local wins.

Votes are pouring in for the pubs with the warmest welcome, the best food and the finest ales, and it’s set to be closer than ever.

A full list of the shortlisted pubs appears at the bottom of this article, along with details of how to vote, and over the six weeks we have been looking at each pub in detail.

This week we visit the Old Badger at Eastington.

Described as ‘a great example of a proper village pub’ on the pub website it has been fully refurbished by the current owners to include the traditional features that regulars clearly treasure while creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

“It’s got such a great atmosphere, and everyone works so hard to ensure that ever single person that walks through the door is made to feel comfortable,” one very contented customer told us.

Serving a wide range of cask ales, which are regularly updated and well kept, and come from both local breweries and further afield.

“I’ve never had a pint I didn’t like in the Badger,” one reader said.

“I can chat to the bar staff, or anyone else that’s gathered in the pub. It’s great for the community and I look forward to each visit.”

And it’s not just the good company, good ales and fine welcome that people were keen to tell the SNJ about.

“This pub serves THE BEST Sunday lunch I have ever had,” said a evangelical diner.

“When you go there you know that you will get the perfect mix of great service, excellent food and, perhaps most importantly, very generous portions at a really reasonable price!

And two years ago when the SNJ’s covert pub reviewer popped in he agreed with the hundreds of voters who have stepped up to be counted for their favourite local.

“The Badger is one of those few pubs I’ve been to which seamlessly blends together rustic charm with a modern and creative menu,” the mystery pub connoisseur said back on 2016.

“The traditional pub is found in the small village of Eastington. You can tell it has a great relationship with the community as the bar was full of locals happily chatting away as we entered.”

Perhaps this little local is worth paying a visit to as the weather perks up?

And it’s that atmosphere, and the good tradition of a fantastic pub right at the heart of the community that has seen the Old Badger at Eastington beat of stiff competition to join the other five pubs in the final.

To vote for your favourite then visit the Stroud News and Journal website, but be quick because voting closes soon!

Voting instructions can be found in full there but the following rules apply:

Only one vote will be accepted per email address

  • Readers can only vote for the six shortlisted pubs
  • Voting will remain open until midnight Sunday, March 24. All votes received after that time will not be accepted
  • All six runners up will receive certificates
  • Landlords, managers and staff are also free to vote for their own pubs.
  • The pub with the most votes will be crowned Pub of the Year at the end of March.
  • The winners will be presented with our coveted trophy and certificate, as well as our special prize, a luxurious weekend for two at the historic Brocket Hall Estate in Hertfordshire.
  • The two-night break for two in Melbourne Lodge will include breakfast, dinner, a round of golf, and a personal tour of one of England’s finest stately homes.

Our Pub of the Year shortlist

The Crown and Sceptre, 
Stroud
The Old Badger Inn, 
Eastington
The Old Fleece, 
Woodchester
The Prince Albert, 
Rodborough
The Red Lion,
Arlingham
The Ship Inn,
Brimscombe