Pub picks up top award

A Lichfield pub has picked up an award for having some of the finest beer in the country.

Staff at The Whittington Arms, in Tamworth Road, work around the clock to ensure the quality of their cask ale. Camra rigorously tested the Timothy Taylor brew and looked at its taste, temperature, appearance and aroma.

Deputy manager Terry Hall described the drink as "very temperamental" and said staff had to keep the barrels tilted and open them three days before sale to get the best results.

He said: "It is quite an unusual bitter and we are one of only a few places where you can get it. It's hard work to maintain it but the feedback from our customers makes it all worthwhile. It's quite a rare award to get so we're all very pleased and will be using it as a foundation for further successes.

"We work hard at being a good pub, we have log fires and candles on the tables and our customers are always saying how nice it is."

He added the tipple was most popular with men aged 40 and over.

Camra presented the pub with its prestigious Cask Marque and a plaque and framed certificate.

Local Camra member Geoff Cross said: "I was privileged to be presenting such a superior award to a well-deserved team at The Whittington Arms. The quality of the beer is fantastic and I'll definitely be popping in for a pint over the Christmas period.

"The pub passed the second round of rigorous testing with flying colours. The cask ale was checked for temperature, appearance, aroma, and taste before being considered for the award, which is proof of good-quality, cask-conditioned bitter."

Whittington Arms general manager Su Lowe said: "We are all over the moon with the award and hope to continue the success with more awards in the future. A lot of work goes into it but it's all worth it."

The pub, which reopened in May following a refurbishment, also serves food and has car parking for more than 85 vehicles.