Regulars at a popular west Norfolk pub were celebrating after their watering hole was named one of the best in the county.

Regulars at a popular west Norfolk pub were celebrating after their watering hole was named one of the best in the county.

The Angel Inn in Larling was awarded the West Norfolk Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) branch pub of the year by an overwhelming majority.

The pub, next to the old A11 and run by Andrew Stammers for the past 26 years, impressed judges with its selection of real ales, largest beer festival in west Norfolk, quality of food and large caravan and camp site.

Popular with regulars for miles around, the pub has retained a traditional feel with bar and lounge area, regular outings, and is packed to bursting at weekends.

A regular entry in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, the Angel Inn is popular with diners from near and far and works hard to maintain the feel of a rural farming community which is at its heart.

Mr Stammers, whose great grandfather ran the pub from 1913 to 1948, said he always had an Adnams beer (brewed in Southwold in Suffolk) on tap, as well a selection of real ales from across the country and a mild ale, something which can be difficult to find.

“We've been here for so many years but we're learning all the time,” he said.

“You just keep things as good as you can. I think you need good food and good beer and be able to look after your customers.

“I'm over the moon and would like to thank my staff and customers for their support.”

Mr Stammers also has the support of his mother and father, Brian and Geraldine Stammers, who bought the pub with him in 1983. His father now cleans the Angel every morning while his mother takes her place behind the bar on a Wednesday evening.

Publicity officer for west Norfolk CAMRA, Bruce Ward, said: “It's been consistently good over the past few years and over the last three or four it's been extremely good.

“I think it's because of his beer festivals every year and he's now improved his camping facilities. It's the biggest in west Norfolk and has about 70 beers and is one of the very few to have all the beers available on day one.

“This year I proposed the Angel and it won by a large margin. There were about 12 votes for it which is quite a lot.”

The Angel Inn will now go head to head in the CAMRA county pub of the year competition against The Mariners in Great Yarmouth which won the Norwich and Norfolk real ale pub of the year. The Mariners was presented with its award on Wednesday .