A pub landlord said he is “over the moon” to have been named pub of the year for Campaign For Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Central Lancashire branch.

The Red Lion on Blackburn Road, Wheelton, Chorley, beat five other pubs in the central Lancashire area to be named the area’s pub of the year.

The Red Lion will now go forward as the Central Lancashire branch nomination for CAMRA's Lancashire Area Pub of the Year award.

The Black Horse in Preston, the Dolphin in Longton, the Market Ale House in Leyland, the Masons Arms in Chorley, and the Plau in Preston, all made the shortlist.

Lancashire Telegraph: Richard Roberts, landlord of The Red Lion in Chorley Richard Roberts, landlord of The Red Lion in Chorley

Landlord of the pub, Richard Roberts, said: “I’m over the moon and the other members of staff were too.

“We only have a small team but they are very good at making people feel welcomed and are very good at what they do”.

Richard said the CAMRA win came as a surprise to him – especially as he had only been landlord for 15 months and had to tackle the challenges that came with lockdown.

He said: “It’s been challenging but we used it as an opportunity to renovate the pub. We renovated all the insides, redecorating and getting everything re-done.

“Along with the owner, Phil Entwistle, we fixed up the pub’s exteriors with new rendors, new signage, new windows and fixed the roof.

“We made it a lot more appealing.”

Richard said it’s the pub to visit if you appreciate a warm welcome, real ale and homecooked food.

Richard said: “Thank you to all of our regulars. We don’t do what we do for awards – we do it for our customers and to ensure we are doing everything for those who visit regularly.”

To find out more about CAMRA Central Lancashire branch, visit their website.

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