Camra National Pub of the Year 2017: Yorkshire pub saved from closure by community wins top award

The George & Dragon was praised for its range of real ales and cider

The George & Dragon provides a hub for community life (PA Wire/PA Images)

A small Yorkshire pub which was saved from closure by its local community after going bankrupt has been named the best in the UK.

After the George & Dragon shut its doors in 2008, the village of Hudswell was left with no other facilities other than a village hall.

But, by raising £220,000, the locals were able to buy the pub back and perform extensive renovations.

Since opening its doors again in June 2010, the George & Dragon has expanded to offer far more than any traditional pub. It’s the home to the village library, a local shop, community allotments and provides free internet access for its patrons.

Now, The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has given the George & Dragon a top accolade by naming it national pub of the year.

By raising £220,000 locals were able to save the pub from closure (PA Wire/PA Images)

Beating more than 50,000 others to the title, CAMRA applauded the pub for it “welcoming atmosphere” and “strong community” ethos. It was also praised for its range of real ales and cider, along with the beer terrace, which offers panoramic views over the Swale Valley.

Landlord Stu Miller says he is "extremely proud" of what the pub has achieved (PA Wire/PA Images)

Stu Miller, Landlord of the George & Dragon said: “We are truly thrilled to have been recognised by CAMRA with this award.”

“We're a small Yorkshire Dales pub, owned by the community and run by me and my family, I'm extremely proud of what our little pub has achieved.”

But if you can't make it to Yorkshire, be sure to check out the runners-up in the competition which are Salutation Inn in Ham, Gloucestershire, the Stanford Arms in Lowestoft, Norfolk and the Swan with Two Necks in Pendleton, Lancashire.