Pub voted the city's best for real ale (From Oxford Mail)

Pub voted the city's best for real ale

11:00am Sunday 12th December 2010 in News

STAFF at an Oxford pub are celebrating after being named the City Pub of the Year 2010.

Judges from Camra Oxford, the Campaign for Real Ale, commended the Masons Arms in Headington for its friendly atmosphere and range of beers.

Landlord Chris Meeson, 43, said: “It feels absolutely fantastic to win, we’re really chuffed.

“We won it in 2004 and 2005, but it’s been five years since the last win, so we are really happy to have reclaimed the crown.”

The Masons Arms, in Quarry Road Place, has been run by Mr Meeson and his family for more than 13 years.

They also brew their own beer from the Old Bog Brewery, run by Mr Meeson’s older brother, Andrew.

His younger brother Matthew is a licensee, while mum Stephanie works behind the bar too.

Mr Meeson said: “Of course we get annoyed at each other sometimes, like all families, but it is usually brilliant.

“We’ve pretty much spent the last decade building up a name for ourselves.”

Neil Hoggarth, chairman of Camra Oxford, said; “Real ale needs real pubs, and the Masons Arms certainly qualifies. The pub’s commitment to real ale is obvious. They have a good range of beers, from small independent breweries, and it is always served in tip-top condition. It is an excellent example of what a good, thriving community pub should be.”

Chris Meeson said: “I think it’s been well documented that this is a difficult time for pubs. There’s no doubt that people’s drinking habits have changed, not to mention the impact of the smoking ban and the cheap alcohol available in supermarkets.

“We know we’re lucky, but we work hard and always have something going on, from darts and billiards teams to quiz nights.”

The pub will now be put forward to the regional competition, and could be in with a chance of becoming national Pub of the Year.

Mr Meeson said: “It’s just always nice to be nominated really, we are one of the only ones not in the city centre, so that’s great.

“The customers are all made up for us, so hopefully they’ll all be coming along to see us presented with the award.”

There will be a presentation of the winner’s certificate in the pub on Thursday.

Mr Meeson said: “I think we are just a great local family-run pub with a great atmosphere and a fantastic range of beers.”

Other pubs shortlisted were: Far From the Madding Crowd, in Friars Entry, off Cornmarket; the Harcourt Arms, in Cranham Terrace, Jericho; the Lamb and Flag, in St Giles; and the Royal Blenheim, in St Ebbe’s.

rpope@oxfordmail.co.uk