An historic Walsall watering hole has been voted the number one waterside pub in the UK.

The Manor Arms in Park Road, Rushall, which dates back to 1104, came top of the pile after being chosen by British Waterways.

The Plum Pudding, in Rugeley Road, Armitage, Staffordshire, was voted the ninth best.

The Manor Arms, situated next to the Rushall Canal, was chosen for its location and popularity with customers.

During the summer it is packed with ramblers, cyclists and narrowboat users.

The pub is also very poplar with real ale drinkers due to its range of beers and members of the Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) from all over the country visit the pub. Licensee Derek Hart, aged 58, said he was delighted with the accolade.

He said: “It is great to be recognised in this way. The Manor Arms is an excellent location for people stopping by on their narrowboats or ramblers walking along the side of the canal.

“In the summer it is a lovely location to sit outside and enjoy a drink by the canalside.”

And customers in the pub are equally delighted with the pub’s achievement.

Eric Frankham, 59, from The Crescent, Chuckery, said: “Myself and my partner like to get some exercise and walk along the canal to the Manor Arms.

“It is in a great location and is fantastic in the summer. It is a very popular pub because the beer is excellent and the staff are so friendly. It certainly would get my vote.”

Chris Sawbridge, 42, from Daw End Lane, Rushall, has been a regular in the pub for the last 15 years.

He said: “This pub deserves all the recognition it has been given.

“Derek and the staff do a fantastic job. The beer is brilliant and so is the food.

“The pub has so much atmosphere and character. In the summer it is packed with walkers, mountain bikers and people passing by on their narrowboats. I just love the pub.”

Gary Timmins, chairman of the Walsall branch of Camra, said: “The Manor Arms is famous all across the country with real ale drinkers. It really is a very popular pub.”