Express & Star

Cannock pub The New Hall hailed as top for a tipple

“Good beer and a good team” – that is what has earned The New Hall Arms the title of Pub of the Year say the family who run it.

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Owners Matt and Jay Ward and head barman Matt Hopley raise a glass to success

Regulars and staff have raised a glass to the Cannock pub being singled out as the best around by the town’s branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).

The pub only opened in 2016 at the heart of Cannock’s shopping development in High Green as three brothers, Matt, Chris and Jamie Ward, along with their father, Kevin, decided to roll the barrels out for a new business venture.

Matt said: “We won the overall pub of the year for Cannock Chase, Rugeley and Hednesford. It’s amazing to win the award in our second year.

“Last year we came runner-up and to win, it shows the hard work of the staff and what customers bring to our little pub.”

The 31-year-old, from Walsall, added: “The beer is first and foremost – we get beer from across the country and from local breweries. My team, we wouldn’t be where we’re without them. They’re great and we’re a real community pub.

“I didn’t believe it and it’s fantastic – a great honour. I want to thank our regulars and Cannock Chase Camra members for their support.

“It’s important that we continue to push real ales to support our local pubs and breweries.”

The New Hall Arms was presented with the award by Malcolm Pearson, chairman of Cannock Chase Camra.