Boozer lands title hat-trick

A family-run boozer which shuns mass market beers and stocks tipples inspired by family holidays in Europe has been named a Camra Pub of the Year for the third year running.

Self-styled “community pub” The Falcon Inn, in Willenhall, has been in the same family for 23 years and licensee Mick Taylor is keen to point out that it is this experience that helps make it so successful. Mr Taylor uses his holiday trips to Europe to stock up on ale, such as Super Dock from Portugal and Krusovice from the Czech Republic.

He also has four regular ales, RCH Pitchfork, Pardoe’s Mild, Oakham JHB and Greene King Abbott Ale, and the same number of ever-changing guest beers.

The Super Dock has become a permanent fixture since Mr Taylor went to Portugal for the Euro 2004 football tournament. Many of his regulars who also attended the tournament made requests for the drink.

Mr Taylor said: “It’s nice to win three years running. We know what our customers like – and we know what they don’t like as well,” he said. “This pub has been in the family for 25 years and we own it.

“We don’t owe anything and it means we can take whatever ales we want.

“All these modern pubs have no character and it is sad to see some of the old pubs boarded up.”

Mr Taylor, 51, has been running the pub in Gomer Street for nine years, taking over from his brother Kevin, who moved on to The Port and Ale in Great Bridge.

One regular, driver Alan Lacey, used to live in the same street as the pub.

He has been using The Falcon since it was taken over by the Taylors and has kept on visiting despite moving several miles away.

The Pitchfork ale fan said: “It is just a great pub. I moved away but still keep coming back.”

Mr Taylor will receive the award on February 23 to coincide with National Pubs Week held by Camra, the Campaign For Real Ale.