Barley Mow is Cask Ale Pub of the Year

Staff and customers at The Barley Mow in Portsmouth celebrated last week being named Britain's Abbot Ale Cask Pub of the Year for 2008.

After the seven month judging process, The Barley Mow was chosen above hundreds of other applicants to take the award, organised by Abbot Ale and The Publican.

Winning licensee Judith Burr celebrated being voted the UK's best with a victory party, inviting more than 70 regulars. The award was presented by Greene King Brewing Company sales director, Greg Williams. The party was also attended by two members of the awards' expert judging panel; chairman of the British Guild of Beer Writers, Tim Hampson and beer inspector for Cask Marque, Annabel Smith.

Celebrating her win Judith said: "The party was enjoyed by everyone who came along and it was great to be able to reward the customers for their loyalty and support. The plaque will definitely take pride of place on the wall behind the bar."

As part of her prize, Judith will also be jetting off to Chichen Itza in Mexico, one of the seven modern wonders of the world, courtesy of Abbot Ale.

Greg Williams said: "We're thrilled to present Judith and The Barley Mow with their much deserved award. Their cellar management, customer service and product knowledge are second to none and this is really evident in the quality of their pints of cask ale."