A tiny Kington pub has been named Herefordshire CAMRA’s pub of the year for 2024.

Ye Olde Tavern on the edge of town has now become Ye Olde champion after beating all other locals.

It last won there Herefordshire Pub of the Year award in 2009 with Debbie Bradford as landlady and prior to that in 2004 when it was in the hands of Steve Dunn and Gaye Plowman.

Now Maureen Titterington has reclaimed the accolade after five years as landlady.

Maureen said; “I was quite shocked at first to be named pub of the year. It just came out of the blue and it was something that I wasn't expecting. But now I am very proud.

“I am originally from Cumbria where I worked for NAAFI for over 20 years working in their pubs and clubs, starting as a club assistant and working up to a multi-site manager.  

“I used to come to Kington for holidays, visiting my sister, her partner had a business down here. 

“I came for one Christmas and never went back. I have worked in three of the pubs in Kington, plus the Post Office and the Petrol Station before taking on the Tavern where I have now been here for just over five years.”

After being run by the Jones family for almost all of the 20^th Century, the Tavern closed briefly in the late 1990’s before re-opening with an emphasis on keeping it as a traditional, beer-led pub with quality real ale.

The Tavern makes regular appearances in the Good Beer Guide and Maureen offers four real ales, mainly from local brewers, plus they are always in tip-top condition.

Maureen has also re-established real fires in both bars – a change welcomed by all. 

The Tavern was established in 1767 as The House in the Fields, then it was renamed the Railway Inn on the coming of trains to Kington in the 1850’s. When the railway closed it became the Olde Tavern.

To the left is the main bar with its bench and alcove seating, cabinets of curios, cast iron tables and original bar counter, whilst to the right is a flag-stoned old smoke room with a serving hatch and dart board.

An original off-sales hatch is to be found in the entrance alcove between the two rooms and to the rear are the old stables, which became a brewery during the 2000’s and have now been converted into a dining area. Food is served Wednesdays to Sundays.

A spokesperson for CAMRA said; “The Tavern remains a popular locals’ pub with a strong following as well as attracting walkers and visitors. During the town’s vintage show steam traction engines stop by, Morris Men dance in the road outside and you might even find a ukulele band playing.

“The Tavern remains a little altered and increasingly rare example of a historic public house which offers a warm welcome, a cosy and intimate atmosphere and excellent ales. It is a gem of an unspoilt pub, well worthy of the Pub of the Year award.”

Ye Olde Tavern is open Monday to Thursday 5pm until 11.30pm, Friday 5pm until 0.30am, Saturday noon until 0.30am and Sunday noon to 11.30pm.

For more information or to book a meal call 01544 231417.