The Three Crowns in Chippenham has been crowned cider pub of the year in the northwest Wiltshire Camra’s inaugural awards.

It is not the first time this year the pub has been recognised by the Campaign for Real Ale branch – it already picked up the general pub of the year award in May.

Landlord Steve Jenner, who bought the freehold three years ago, said: “I am chuffed to get the double.”

He was presented with the award last week by Gareth MacDonald, regional director for South West Camra.

He said: “Steve and his excellent team of staff have worked hard to turn The Three Crowns into a wonderful, welcoming pub where you will always find someone to talk to and be able to enjoy a fine range of ciders and perries for all tastes.”

The pub on The Causeway stocks four ‘real’ ciders, made only from fermented apple juice, and is the only pub in the area known by Camra to offer perry made from fermented pears.

Local ciders on rotation include handmade cider from Slaughterford Mill, Sherston Cider Company, Moonraker Cider in Seend, Wessex Cider near Salisbury and the Circle Cider Brewery in Swindon.

Mr Jenner, 57, said: “We always try to have a selection of medium, sweet and dry and get a variety of local producers. There’s at least a new one every week.”

Regular Rob Jones, 50, of London Road, Chippenham, said: “I am not surprised The Three Crowns has won, judging on the quality and range of real ales and ciders there, and I am sure there will be many more awards to come.”

For further information, visit www.threecrownschip penham.co.uk