THE Tom Cobley Tavern in Spreyton has been recognised as one of the top four real ale pubs in Britain in the final of the CAMRA National Pub of the Year.

The pub progressed all the way through the competition to the final four, narrowly missing out on the overall national title which was won by The Baum in Rochdale. The 16th century tavern in the heart of Spreyton won the national title in 2006. Fourteen different real ales are sold every week, and 20 ciders.

Back in the spring of 2012, the Exeter and Mid Devon branch of the Campaign for Real Ale voted the Tom Cobley to be their pub of the year, clinching the award for the seventh time in eight years. They retained their title as branch champion, having won in 2011.

Since then, CAMRA judges continued the process, and voted the tavern to be the South West CAMRA Regional Pub of the Year. This is the third time the pub has won this title, having also clinched the prize in 2006 and 2008.

Landlord Roger Cudlip said: 'It is absolutely brilliant to get this far again and get this recognition. It was a gap of four years between this success and the last time we won the South West pub of the year.

'It is always nice to get a pat on the back and be told you're doing the right things, and get the advertising and coverage that goes with it.

'For a pub like ours in a small village it is really quite something.

'It would have been nice to win the national prize, of course. People remember you more when you win. But when you consider all the pubs in the area, and the country, it really is quite an achievement.'

Landlord and landlady Roger and Carol have already had reason to celebrate recently, as December saw the tenth anniversary since they took over the Tom Cobley.

During the competition, pubs are scored by CAMRA members on the various aspects which make up a great pub, including its community focus, service and welcome, atmosphere, decor, value for money, but most importantly for the judges, the quality of the real ale served.

Ian Packham, South West regional director of CAMRA said: 'It is good to see the continuing hard work and commitment to real ale of landlord and landlady Roger and Carol Cudlip.

'They provide an excellent range of real ales of good quality all coming from the South West. This thriving village pub provides a very friendly atmosphere and an excellent range of good quality food is also available. The landlord's personality and the welcome customers receive is a large contributing factor to the success of the pub.'