The landlord of a pub in west Dorset has been left speechless after picking up consecutive awards.

As previously reported, the West Dorset branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) announced that its current pub of the year and cider pub of the year - The Woodman in South Street, Bridport - has won the CAMRA regional cider pub of the year which puts it in the running for the overall national title.

Furthermore, the pub is down to the last 17 in the country for contender of the prestigious national pub of the year award after being crowned the best regional pub.

CAMRA says it is extremely rare for a pub to win two consecutive awards of this nature.

Awards were presented at the pub by local members.

On hearing of winning this award for the second consecutive year running landlord Darren Moore said: ”I am absolutely flabbergasted!

"We were so happy to get through to the next stage of the CAMRA regional cider pub of the year, which is amazing, only then to find out a month later we are also in the top 17 pubs in the country by winning regional pub of the year.

"I didn’t believe it at first. I am rarely stuck for words but I was speechless.”

He thanked all of the staff, suppliers, brewers and cider makers as well as West Dorset CAMRA.

CAMRA describes The Woodman as a "classic example of a thriving community-led pub that has a large selection of cider and perry that complements the expanding cask ale selection".

Staff, are said to have good knowledge of the beer and cider products they sell and will happily give advice and tasters to assist customers.

Not only does the pub regularly stock locally produced Dorset varieties such as Dorset Nectar and Isaac Cider but also gives the drinker a chance  to sample ciders from further afield such as Bridge Farm, Somerset, Oliver’s in  Herefordshire and Ascension from Sussex. There are five hand pumps that dispense real ales from micro breweries throughout the UK.

On presenting the awards alongside CAMRA Regional Representative Norman Clinnick, West Dorset CAMRA Chairman Bruce Mead said: ”To win both Wessex & Channel Islands Regional Cider and Overall pub of the year is a fantastic achievement for Darren and his team. This is the only time in the history of the competition this has happened. We wish them every luck in the next round.”

The regional and national finalists will now compete for the UK National Pub of the Year award, with judges whittling the 17 pubs down to just four in late September.

CAMRA says its esteemed National Pub of the Year title is the topmost accolade the campaign group can bestow upon a pub.

The overall winner will be announced in January 2025.