THE owner of a micro-pub received a special ‘birthday surprise’ when her venue was named as the best pub in Burnley.

East Lancashire CAMRA have named the New Brew-M in St James Row as the Burnley district area pub of the year.

The real ale pub opened in May last year but has received praise for its friendly staff, ales and atmosphere.

It is ran by Sharon Gouldsbrough, whose husband Peter also runs nearby Reedley Hallows Brewery in Farrington Court.

The grandmother-of-11 said that she had no idea that the pub would be receiving the prize until she discovered the news last Saturday, when it was her birthday.

The 53-year-old said: “A couple of people from East Lancashire CAMRA came in when we were really busy and just said they wanted to give me a birthday present when I had a minute.

“It was a complete surprise, I was in absolute shock when they told me, it’s only a tiny place.

“I work hard, I run it completely on my own during the week and have to sacrifice holidays and time with my family.

“It’s nice to see that the work has been appreciated.”

The pub stocks six beers on tap including two options from the Reedley Hallows Brewery.

A limited range of foreign bottled beers, ciders and wine are available.

Chairman of East Lancashire CAMRA John Webster said: “It’s a very, very good pub. It’s always on absolutely top form

“Sharon who runs it is a very lovely person and is very warm and welcoming to everyone who comes in the pub. Basically it’s got everything.

“Burnley is very, very lucky to have an awful lot of really great pubs, and this was a great winner.”

Members of the county’s ale group decided the winner by voting for their top eight pubs in the area.

The votes were then counted and the results found the New Brew-M coming out on top.

East Lancashire CAMRA member and Lancashire Telegraph beer expert Mark Briggs said: “It just ticks all the boxes, it’s great run pub with great ale.

“It’s a nice social drinking experience, it’s ideally located in the town centre and is great value as well and it gets a great mix of clientele

“It’s already formed a fantastic reputation and is an absolutely fantastic venue. It’s just excellently run.”