REGULARS at The Prince Albert at Rodborough are celebrating after it was named the best in the district, for a second year running. 

The pub has been voted the best in Stroud by the area’s most dedicated beer-drinkers and will now compete to become the best in Gloucestershire. 

The Stroud CAMRA - Campaign for Real Ale award was presented on Sunday, April 16 to licensees Lotte and Miles Lyster Connolly.

The Albert topped a shortlist of four pubs, beating the Ale House, the Stroud Brewery Tap and the Lord John. 

These are the scores for the shortlisted pubs ranked in order

  • Prince Albert 112 points
  • Ale House 88 points
  • Stroud Brewery Tap 54 points
  • Lord John 32 points

Tim Mars of Stroud CAMRA said: "The pub was, as usual, relaxed and welcoming and everyone—whether real ale drinkers or not—rejoiced in the pub’s success.

“The Albert has confirmed its preëminence with, year on year, a growing lead over the Ale House, which was our Pub of the Year for an unprecedented six years on the trot. 

Stroud News and Journal: Tony Hill, chair of Stroud CAMRA, presents the Stroud CAMRA Pub of the Year certificate for 2023 to landlords Lotte and Miles Lyster Connolly Tony Hill, chair of Stroud CAMRA, presents the Stroud CAMRA Pub of the Year certificate for 2023 to landlords Lotte and Miles Lyster Connolly (Image: Bill Hicks)

“It has a fiercely loyal clientele—mostly local, but with many who sometimes travel considerable distances to enjoy its unique ambience.

“One person added this comment to their ballot: “The Albert is my favourite pub, and it has also done so much to support its local community. 

“Not just in its consistently excellent range of beers, but in being a welcoming, imaginative and exemplary social hub, which is what pubs are supremely at core.”

“The Albert now goes forward to the next round, to compete with the other Gloucestershire CAMRA sub-branch nominations for the title of Gloucestershire CAMRA Pub of the Year for 2023. 

Stroud News and Journal: Stroud CAMRA members toast the Albert’s triumph Stroud CAMRA members toast the Albert’s triumph (Image: Bill Hicks)

“The winner of that round goes on to compete for the prize of CAMRA South West Pub of the Year—and so on until one pub out of a shortlist of four is crowned national CAMRA Pub of the Year for 2023.”

So far, three Gloucestershire pubs have scooped the supreme title of CAMRA Pub of the Year:

•    The Sandford Park Alehouse, Cheltenham (2015)

•    The Salutation Inn, Ham (2014)

•    The Old Spot Inn, Dursley (2007)

The Albert near Rodborough Common has been run by the same family for almost 30 years. 

It is well known as a lively and colourful music venue and community hub, with a fiercely loyal clientele.

Photos by Bill Hicks.