THE LANDLORDS of a popular Droitwich pub are a very happy couple after toasting being named CAMRA’s pub of the year and getting married within a matter of weeks.
Hayley and Gareth Jones from the Hop Pole Inn got married earlier this month, just a few weeks after their beloved pub was honoured by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) group.
Hayley and Gareth found out the news last month, and they were presented with their special certificate as well as the trophy at a CAMRA meeting at the pub.
Days later, the Friar Street pub landlords then made the rare decision to close the pub for a ‘private party’- Hayley and Gareth’s wedding celebrations- before reopening the following day.
Hayley told the Standard: “Gareth and I would say that we’re both very overwhelmed and proud to receive our award.
“To win the CAMRA pub of the year award fills our hearts with so much happiness.
“We couldn’t do it without all of our fantastic staff who work so hard week in, week out.
“We love them all and class each and every one of them as our family.
“We also want to say a massive thank you to our amazing customers who constantly support us.
“The Hop Pole to us is not just our pub, it’s our living room where we love welcoming each and every person in.
“Gareth and I also got married last Friday, so we’ve had double celebrations over the last week or so.”
Judging criteria for CAMRA’s pub of the year include the quality and condition of beer or cider, the promotion and knowledge of real ale, cleanliness and staff hygiene, community focus, service, decor and atmosphere.
Over 100 people from around Droitwich have sent the happy couple messages of congratulations, for both the pub of the year award and their wedding, on social media.
