DRINKERS in Wantage can sup safe in the knowledge their local is one of the best pubs in Britain.

The Royal Oak, in Newbury Street, which serves beers brewed in the landlord’s honour, has been named as one of four finalists in the Campaign for Real Ale’s (Camra) National Pub of the Year awards.

Landlord Paul Hexter, who lives above the pub and helps brew its best-selling pints, said: “We are thrilled to be in the final. I’ve been promoting real ale for the 26 years I’ve been at the Royal Oak, and having won the regional award twice before, it’s great to reach the national final.

“Our regulars are really thrilled for us, and to celebrate we are cracking open a few aged bottled beers.”

It is the first time in 20 years an Oxfordshire pub has made it to the finals.

Mr Hexter, who runs the pub with his wife Frankie, always stocks at least 12 real ales – including two brewed to his own specifications by the West Berkshire Brewery.

The award-winning Dr Hexter’s Healer and Dr Hexter’s Wedding Ale, brewed when the couple were married 12 years ago, are still the most popular pints on sale.

The pub also serves cider from Upton, and beer from Pitstop Brewery in Grove.

Brewer and pub regular Peter Fowler, 58, said: “Paul is the best landlord you could possibly imagine. He is attentive, humorous and caring.

“The people who come in here are of a similar ilk, and in the 27 years I’ve been coming here, I’ve never had a bad pint.”

Fellow regular Stephen Johns, 38, met his wife Jenny, 32, in the Royal Oak twelve years ago.

He said: “It’s got that friendly atmosphere where you get to meet other people. We were both part of different groups of people in the pub and just got talking.”

The Good Beer Guide 2010 describes the pub as a “Mecca for the discerning drinker”, and says it is packed most evenings.

Mr Hexter, who worked in computing before becoming a landlord, added: “Being here for 26 years, a lot of people are our friends not just our customers. We are chuffed to bits as we have been promoting real ales since 1978, when we had our first pub.”

The Royal Oak must beat the Crown Hotel, in Worthington, Greater Manchester, the Royal Oak, in West Sussex, and last year’s winner Kelham Island Tavern, in Sheffield to take the title. The winner will be announced in February.