Winner of Abbot Ale perfect pub award announced

A Lancaster bar has picked up the top prize in the Abbot Ale Perfect Pub Awards 2003.

The Waterwitch was voted the overall national winner after receiving the Gold award for the North-West region.

The competition, run by Greene King Brewing Company gave customers the opportunity to sing the praises of their local with reasons ranging from 'the best pulled pint for miles around' to friendly informative staff and a great atmosphere.

Pubs with the highest number of nominations were short-listed and visited by a mystery judge. The judges decided the Waterwitch had something for everyone - modern and popular, offering a wide selection of real ales served by friendly, knowledgeable bar staff.

Licensee Matt Jackson said "It's absolutely fantastic and something to be really proud of, it's a great reflection on everyone that works here and we look forward to celebrating with our customers."

Rooney Anand, managing director of Greene King Brewing Company, said: "We launched a country wide search and the response was excellent. Everyone has their idea of a Perfect Pub so we kept the 'criteria' as flexible as possible.

"It didn't matter if it was in the centre of town or the middle of the country, if they served a la carte meals or bar snacks, the main thing was that it provided the community with their ideal pub and served a great pint in tip-top condition.

"As a result the standard of entry was extremely high and the judges had a very hard time selecting the winners."