A TRADITIONAL pub in the upper dale has been recognised for its vast real cider offering for the fourth year running.
Anthony and Selina Goldstraw, who run The Strathmore Arms, in Holwick, fought off competition yet again in this year’s awards run by Darlington CAMRA – Campaign For Real Ale.
The husband and wife duo were delighted to find out the pub was again chosen as the Country Cider Pub of the Year.
The pub was also awarded second place in the Country Pub of the Year category, having achieved third place last year.
Mr Goldstraw, 40, said: “We are really chuffed that we are appreciated by the CAMRA branch and we are chuffed that we have won four times in a row.
“We have such a nice customer base which we have gained over the past eight years.
“We are really pleased that, out in the middle of nowhere, people still come to us regularly.”
The couple have run the pub for the past eight years. They offer up to 35 real ciders during the summer months, alongside fine ales, bar food and accommodation.
They have also run The Blacksmith’s Arms, in Mickleton, for the last two years.
Mr Goldstraw said: “We are the only place within the Darlington CAMRA area that keeps that many real ciders.
“We started as a cask ale house and then it just so happened that we started to sell real ciders.
“We get them delivered from all over the southwest of England. During the summer months we sell more cider than cask ale and we sell a lot of cask ale.”
Pubs officer for Darlington CAMRA, Pete Fenwick, praised the couple for their efforts.
Mr Fenwick said: “We go round the pubs through the year and take note what pubs have real cider and how well it is kept.
“Anthony and Selina have been the best in our area for the last four years. They have good knowledge of the ciders. People go there especially for the ciders and beers.”
Having also been given the second place accolade for Country Pub of the Year, Mr Fenwick said the couple are very “deserving” of the awards.
He said: “The members vote for the favourite pub. Anthony and Selina have done well for the past couple of years.
“Members go out there and enjoy it. They are very friendly and welcoming. They are lovely people. I am so glad they have won things because they deserve to win.”
The pub is open every day apart from Tuesday from noon till late.
