IT may be best known for its real ale but champagne was the order of the day at a popular Norfolk pub last week as it was named the best in the county.

IT may be best known for its real ale but champagne was the order of the day at a popular Norfolk pub last week as it was named the best in the county.

The Angel Inn at Larling has been voted Camra (Campaign for Real Ale) Norfolk pub of the year for 2010.

In a very close contest, the pub next to the old A11 just pipped The Mariners in Yarmouth to take the prestigious award.

The historic watering hole, which used to be a seventeenth century coaching inn, impressed judges with its selection of real ales, largest beer festival in west Norfolk, quality of food and large caravan and campsite.

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.

Landlord Andrew Stammers, who has run the pub for 26 years, said he was “absolutely overwhelmed”.

He said: “It's the first time we've won it and it's fantastic. I appreciate all my customers and staff and it's all down to the good real ale, the choice and quality.”

Mr Stammers' great grandfather ran the pub from 1913 to 1948 and it is still a family-run local.

The 46-year-old's mother and father, Geraldine and Brian, 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.

The Angel went head-to-head against The Mariners after it was named West Norfolk Camra pub of the year in February.

Andrea Briars, regional director for Camra East Anglia, said: “This year's competition again showcased two thriving pubs - a town local and a village pub at the heart of its community.

“Well done to both for reaching this stage of the competition and I wish Andrew Stammers and the team at the Angel well in the next round.”

The presentation is yet to be announced. The next round of the competition, which will be judged against five other county winners, will be to become East Anglia Regional Pub of the Year. The regional winner will then go forward to the national pub of the year competition.