Gloucs pub to become author Orwell's 'favourite pub'

The Salutation Inn in Ham, Camra’s UK Pub of the Year will seek to replicate attributes of the ‘Moon under Water’, which was described by the late British novelist as his ‘favourite’ public house in a review he penned for the Evening Standard in February 1946.

Although the pub did not actually exist, Peter Tiley, The Salutation Inn’s landlord claims the famous essayist’s musings set the bar for publicans.

“I’m a big fan of the pub he described and my drive has been to create that perfect pub – we’re not far off,” Tiley told the PMA.

“The way he describes the homely feel, the barmaids recognising who you are, what you’re drinking, the wonderful creamy stout on offer, a lovely traditional old fashioned pub where everything is friendly and welcoming. It’s simple and unpretentious.”

Among the items that will be served up at the fantasy tavern on 25 June – Orwell’s birthday - are mussels and liver sausage sandwiches.

Aspirins and cigarettes will also be sold and there will be no music or TV.

Bar staff will also wear threads ‘akin to the era’ when barmen wore shirts and ties.

“We’re encouraging people to bring in pewter mugs – we’re saying if you do that and wear a name tag the bar staff can address you by name – and we’re offering 50p off a pint for doing that,” Tiley, who took over the freehouse in April 2013 added.