Oxfordshire licensee wins cellar award

An Oxfordshire licensee is celebrating after being recognised for the quality of beers he serves at his pub.

Tony Puddifoot, licensee at Ye Olde Reindeer, in Banbury, Oxford, has won the Hook Norton/Stella Artois Best Kept Cellar competition.

The award acknowledges the excellence of all the beers served in the pub.

As the winner Mr Puddifoot (pictured)​ picked up a cheque for £250 and the Bill Clarke Memorial Salver.

"I am scrupulous in the way I look after my beers, it is the only way to make sure that my customers are served perfect pints," he said.

"The better the cellar management of beers, the better will be the beer in the customer's glass."

Two other licensees were highly commended in the competition. Peter Wixey of the Gate Inn, Brailes, Oxfordshire and Nick and Hilary Holt, licensees of the Cherington Arms, Cherington, nr Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire.

Most Improved awards were given to Rebecca Ridgway of the Red Lion, Chipping Norton, and Ian Payne of the Eagle Tavern, Witney, Oxfordshire.