Wiltshire pub Fox and Goose named Rural Pub of the Year

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A Wiltshire pub has been crowned local Rural Pub of the Year by CAMRA.

The Fox and Goose in Coombe Bissett, Salisbury, earned the title from the Salisbury and South Wilts branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, recognising its role as a country pub serving its community and visitors alike.

Landlord Keith Smith also received the Derek Blackshaw Trophy, named after the late chairman of the branch, making the Fox and Goose the first pub to win the award twice.

Andrew Hesketh, chairman of the Salisbury and South Wilts CAMRA branch, said: "The Fox & Goose is not only a friendly, local community pub but it also services a lot of passing custom along the nearby A354.

"It has two large bars and indoor dining areas as well as spacious gardens and an outside covered area in which to eat.

"The real ales are kept well, the food is excellent, and the pub has become a key part of village life."

Mr Smith said the team was "very proud" to receive the award and thanked CAMRA members for their support.

Mr Smith said: "We are very proud to win this award and would like to thank all the CAMRA members who voted for us.

"We knew Derek, who used to come here as a customer, so it is very good to win the award named after him for the second time.

"It means that we can keep his name on the mantlepiece."

The Derek Blackshaw Trophy was created by the Salisbury and South Wilts branch in honour of Mr Blackshaw, who died in 2022.

The Fox and Goose was also the first recipient of the award in 2023.

Mr Hesketh said: "It commemorates a great man and branch chairman.

"He felt passionately about the survival of rural pubs, many of which he saw disappear in this area over the past 40 years.

"The trophy, which is presented to the Rural Pub of the Year annually alongside the traditional winner’s certificate, perpetuates the memory of a thoroughly decent man."

The Fox and Goose is known for its two bars, spacious indoor and outdoor seating, and its reputation for good food and well-kept ales.

It continues to serve both the Coombe Bissett community and visitors travelling through the area.

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