Queen's Head in Chepstow is Gwent Camra pub of the year again

The Queen's Head micropub, on Moor Street in the town, was named as Gwent Pub of the Year for the fifth year in succession.

The pub was also chosen as the Cider Pub of the Year for the region.

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Landlord Glen Ellis said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be voted by Gwent Camra as the pub of the year for the fifth year in a row.

"It's a big endorsement of all the hard work that's gone into running the Queen's Head over the previous 12 months. "I'd like to thank all my customers, the Gwent CAMRA voters and judging panel for presenting me with the award, and my family - without their love and support it wouldn't have been possible."

(Glen Ellis)

Mr Ellis said that part of the reason for the pub's continuing popularity in what is turning out to be quite a trying time for many similar establishments is what it is lacking as much as what it offers.

"Places like the Queen's Head are a safe haven," he said.

"People can meet up for a (fairly quiet) drink and chat without interruptions from loud music or giant televisions showing football.

"The town centre is certainly a bit quieter than say, 20 years ago.

"The way people drink is changing in the face of economic pressures, and also possibly for health reasons. "The continued success of places that serve good beer is down to a combination of different factors. "People are drinking less generally but are choosing to consume more premium products when they do drink."

CAMRA was founded by four real ale enthusiasts back in 1971, today they represent nearly 200,000 members across the UK.

Their vision is to have quality real ale, cider and perry and thriving pubs in every community.

For more information, visit camra.org.uk/about