OSWESTRY’S Bailey Head pub is celebrating after it became of the four best in the UK as part of a national competition.

Based on the Bailey Head, it has reached the final four of the Camra Pub of the Year 2024 competition having already been named best in the West Midlands.

Owners Grace Goodlad and Duncan Borrowman are no strangers to awards, winning many during the tenure, but admitted their long journey in this competition is beyond their wildest dreams.

READ MORE: Camra names Oswestry's Bailey Head pub as one nation's best

Grace said: “When we bought the pub nearly nine years ago, we never dreamt this could happen.

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“It had been failing under the ownership of a major pub company and Camra had it protected as an Asset of Community Value. We couldn't have done this without that happening."

Duncan added: “To say we are shocked to make it into the final four is an understatement – I am not sure we will ever stop pinching ourselves.

“It is a testament to our hard-working small team of dedicated staff and our loyal regulars."

Camra said: “Nestled near the Welsh borders in the charming market town of Oswestry, the Bailey Head is a must visit for beer and cider lovers.

“The pub has one of the largest beer ranges of any in Shropshire, claiming to have sold over 3,400 different draught beers since opening in March 2016.

“Six constantly changing cask beers, always including one dark beer, are supplemented by eleven other draught beers, plus four ciders and a perry.

“The pub also has a substantial range of canned and bottled beers from across the UK and overseas.”

Shelly Bentley, West Midlands regional director for Camra, said: “A huge congratulations is in order to all at the Bailey Head who have put in the phenomenally hard work to achieve this accolade.

“I applaud Duncan and Grace’s passion for delivering an exceptional range of beers for their customers, who are very clearly at the centre of Bailey Head’s heart.

“The journey from a tired pub that needed an Asset of Community Value protection, to now achieving Super Regional Pub of the Year is astounding.

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“This is certainly reflected in Duncan, Grace and the rest of the team’s devotion to deliver great beer to their community, and I hope regulars and new visitors alike will be raising a toast to them all during their next visit.”

Duncan added: “Everyone is invited to the presentation of our finalists certificate at 1pm on Saturday, November 23.

“The bar will feature three collaboration cask beers we are brewing with Riverhead (Ossett), Castle Rock and Stonehouse.”