Local boozer scoops regional crown in John Smith's pub competition

The votes have been counted and today the most extraordinary pub in your area can be revealed.

We teamed up with John Smith's to find pubs which, just like its beer, are Only Ordinary By Name.

Entries flooded in from boozers across the region that might seem ordinary at first glance but have an extraordinary story to tell.

And you have been voting for your favourite, which will today be crowned as the local winner of the Only Ordinary By Name competition and receive a £300 prize.

They will also go forward to the national final, where there is a £5,000 prize to be won, including £500 for the winning landlord or landlady as a reward for running Britain's most remarkable pub and £4,500 to be spent on improvements for the customers.

And your local winner, the pub representing your area in the national final, is The Nag's Head in Shrewsbury, SY1 1XB.

Situated on the famous Wyle Cop, a historic street of independent shops, this pub has been serving drinks since 1780 - and is still packing in punters today.

Fascinating for history lovers, the pub is full of relics of the past, including the timber remnants of a 14th century hall house to the rear, while it is believed underground tunnels connect the building to other shops on the ancient street.

But the pub's large selection of drinks, and warm and welcoming atmosphere, is what keeps locals coming - and won them more votes than the rest to be crowned local champions.

After The Nag's Head was nominated, one local took to Facebook to describe it as "a proper drinkers' pub with good ale", while another gushed "a great choice of beers, friendly bar staff and a top landlord".

Others have used social networking sites to comment on the pub's cat, a ginger called Indy, who is often found lazing in the bar.

At the heart of Shrewsbury's famous shopping street, the pub is busy most of the day with a mixed clientele of old and young, shoppers, tourists and locals.

While the historic interior has remained unaltered for centuries, the greatest features of this grade II-listed building are best appreciated from the outside, such as the ancient original timber frames.

And many who visit are surprised at how far back the pub goes once you're inside, and are impressed by the remarkably large beer garden at the back.

And like many ancient public houses, The Nag's Head has its own ghost story too.

A painting of a bearded man on the back of an old cupboard door in a room on the top floor is believed to be cursed, with legend having it that over the years, three people, having spent the night with the painting, are said to have committed suicide in that room - a coachman, a newlywed bride and a young man who had just returned from the World War I trenches.

Their ghosts are now said to roam around and regular sightings are reported.

The pub is now hoping it will impress the expert judging panel, who will decide which pub will be crowned the overall national champion - and receive a £5,000 prize.

The overall winning pub will also get a visit from TV comic Paddy McGuinness, who will drop in for a pint of John Smith's to deliver the national prize.

Take Me Out star Paddy has been fascinated by Britain's extraordinary pubs since his mum saw a ghost when she was working as a barmaid in Ye Olde Man and Scythe in Bolton.

So cheers, and good luck to the Nag's Head.

17th August update: The national winner of the John Smith’s Only Ordinary by Name Pub Competition has now been announced. Follow the link to find out who was crowned Britain’s most extraordinary pub: www.mirror.co.uk/johnsmiths

Please drink responsibly.

Terms apply. UK residents 18+. Voting has now closed.

Sponsored content.