A Berkshire pub has been named the best in Central Southern England.

The Bell Inn in Aldworth was awarded this title in CAMRA's Pub of the Year 2024 competition.

This 'wonderful' village pub has a rich history, having previously won the National Pub of the Year title in 1990 and 2019.

The pub has been run by the Hunt/Macaulay family since the 18th century.

The pub’s interior is of 'outstanding national historic importance' - the only pub in Berkshire to do so.

The pub features historical furnishings, including a Victorian rear screen from the 1880s and a rare 1930s glazed-in servery with sliding windows.

The Bell Inn's large open garden and six different beers, five of which change regularly, draw in many visitors.

Along with its 'excellent' beer, the pub is known for its homemade soups, filled rolls, ploughman’s platters, and hot puddings.

Thousands of pubs battled it out across the UK to be named the best in their area.

Pubs in the competition are judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression, and the quality of live beer, real cider, and perry.

The regional and national finalists now compete for the UK National Pub of the Year award, with 17 pubs being whittled down to four in late September.

The overall winner will be announced in January 2025.

Last year’s UK National Pub of the Year winner, the Tamworth Tap in Staffordshire, claimed the title in both 2023 and 2022.

The latest round of recognition for pubs comes after the one-year anniversary of the demolition of the 'iconic' Crooked House in Himley, Staffordshire.

The destruction of this 'beloved' establishment highlighted unlawful demolitions and conversions of pubs.

CAMRA continues to advocate for stronger planning protections, marking the anniversary by calling on the new Government to introduce tougher planning enforcement options to deter 'unscrupulous developers'.

Andrea Briers, national coordinator for the Pub of the Year competition, said: "These amazing pubs really are the crème de la crème and I would encourage the public to seek out the 17 winners from across the nations and regions of the UK – they are top-tier pubs serving excellent beer, cider, and perry, run by welcoming, hardworking staff.

"It’s also important to support your local all year round.

"With constant pressure from stubbornly high energy prices, fluctuating running costs, and grossly unfair business rates threatening to drown pubs across the UK, it’s vital to get out and support the licensed trade."