THE landlords of an Oxford pub have something to raise a glass to.

Far From the Madding Crowd in Friars Entry has been named the city’s Pub of the Year by Oxford Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Landlord David Patalong said: “We are delighted. It is a great accolade to have.

“We try to get different breweries and don’t stick to the same beers all the time. You never know what is going to be on tap.

“The fact that we are a freehouse means we have got the flexibility of looking around, getting the best prices and passing them on to the customer.

The 31-year-old runs the pub with his partner Lauren McGill.

It is owned by Charles Eld, the former chief executive of Morrells Brewery, and his wife Jenny.

The title was decided by members of CAMRA’s city’s branch and Far From the Madding Crowd beat off competition from the Lamb and Flag in St Giles, the Masons Arms in Quarry School Place, the Royal Blenheim in St Ebbes, the White Horse in Broad Street and the Turf Tavern, Bath Place.

Mr Patalong said: “The competition was great. We were up against five real ale pubs.

“Real ale is really taking off with young people. We have been really busy and our trade has been great.”

Far From the Madding Crowd opened in 2002 and is named after the Thomas Hardy novel.

The city centre pub took the crown from the Mason Arms after coming second last year, although it won in 2009.

Tony Goulding, of Oxford CAMRA, said: “It was a close run thing. I think Far From the Madding Crowd is a great choice.

“About 10 years ago it was just an empty shop and it has risen from scratch to become one of the top five pubs in the city.

“The fact that it is a freehouse means it can source beer from wherever it wants.

“The Masons Arms came in a very close second and the Lamb and Flag came third. There is a great amount of choice in the city.”