Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore has chosen the Cherry Tree in Oldland Common as this year’s best community pub.
The well-known landmark has seen an extraordinary turn around in fortunes since landlord Steve Lippett took over just 12 months ago.
His aim when he moved in last August was to put the Cherry Tree back at the heart of the village as somewhere you could get a decent pint and simple, well-priced meals in surroundings which can accommodate all of the family.
“The last year has been enormously hard work,” said Steve. “The award is a great boost, not just for me but for all the staff who have helped and supported me during that time. I can’t thank them enough.”
Mr Skidmore said: “I’m hugely impressed at the way Steve has turned this pub around in the last 12 months. The Cherry Tree has always been a pub for the local community and it’s fantastic to see it back on top as a well-used venue which regularly holds events for both locals and charities.”
The Cherry Tree is the third winner of the Community Pub Award, introduced by the Kingswood MP after his election as part of his ongoing efforts to support local pubs in his constituency.
Last year, the accolade went to the Queen’s Head in Hanham while the inaugural winner was the Upton Inn at Upton Cheyney. Both of those pubs were shortlisted again in 2013 along with Elm Tree in Hanham and Rose & Crown in Kingswood.
The Week In featured the five shortlisted pubs over the summer.
