The Wonston Arms: Hampshire pub saved from closure named best in the UK

The landlord said he wanted to create a pub like the ones he used to go to in the 70s

A pub in Hampshire has been named the National Pub of the Year, four years after it was left derelict.

Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) – an independent organisation dedicated to promoting real ale, cider and the traditional British pub – awarded the accolade to The Wonston Arms, located in Winchester, Hampshire on Thursday.

The organisation praised the pub for its dedication to its local community.

In 2015, the pub was saved from closure when owner and landlord Matt Todd decided to purchase it and give the building a complete overhaul.

Todd previously worked in corporate marketing and had been a regular at the drinking establishment 11 years prior to purchasing the site.

“I’m overwhelmed that our little pub – which had been handed a death sentence four years ago – has now been named the very best in the country,” said Todd.

Since its reopening, The Wonston Arms has raised more than £25,000 for charity and become a centre for community events such as darts matches, jazz sessions and photography club.

It also serves a range of cask ales alongside a well-stocked gin bar with 180 varieties, and regularly joins forces with local food vendors to host pop-up pizza, curry and fish and chips nights.

“I have strived to recreate the kind of wet pub I went to in the 1970s with my dad when I was a young boy in the north of England, Todd added.

“The support from the local community and beyond has been overwhelming, helping to propel us forward despite these testing times.”

A panel of volunteers judged a selection of pubs on their atmosphere, décor, service, community focus and quality of beer for CAMRA.

Runners up in this year’s competition include the Cricketers Arms in St Helens, the Chequers in Little Gransden and the Volunteer Arms (also known as Staggs) in Musselburgh.

“Pubs like the Wonston Arms highlight what communities stand to lose if their local pub closes - something being experienced in all too many places,” said National Pub of the Year coordinator Ben Wilkinson.

“These types of pubs are more than just businesses, they are the heart of our local communities and part of what makes the UK the country it is.

"The Wonston Arms serves excellent cask ales and is a great social environment for all. It fully deserves its title as the best in the country."