South Wiltshire pub owner 'couldn't believe' trio of CAMRA awards
Hamptworth's Cuckoo Inn has been named Pub of the Year 2024 in Salisbury & South Wiltshire
Last updated 29th Apr 2024
The owner of 150-year-old pub in Hamptworth says he couldn't believe it when he was told the pub had been won three awards from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) in Salisbury and South Wiltshire.
The Cuckoo Inn has been named Pub of the Year 2024 and Rural Pub of the Year 2024, as well as Cider Pub of the Year for a second-successive year.
The pub will also feature in the Good Beer Guide 2024.
Landlord Nik Ampliantis told Greatest Hits Radio that he thought the judges were playing a joke on him when they said his pub had won Pub of the Year.
"I couldn't believe it. I thought they were joking in the beginning, thinking it can't be true, all three of them in one year?" Nik said, adding that he was 'over the moon'.
Nik thanked his customers for their support, especially through the lean winter period.
"The real the real award is always like, the customers are coming back and they say good words and they are by the side of the pub every single year through the tough times.
"I'm blessed with the community. They're brilliant people," he said.
Nik also praised his staff: "We have a very good team and they try to work hard with me. We have the same team the last two years since the opening we didn't really change much since we started."
Nik took over the pub two years ago, which had been closed for three years before that. He said The Cuckoo Inn has it's own unique character and soul, which he wants to boost during his time as it's owner.
Nik added: “We’re not standing still after these awards. We want to keep new beers, ciders and perries coming in on a weekly basis and to store and serve them respectfully. We’re always happy to welcome new customers and anyone wanting to make a day of it might be tempted by our next beer and cider festival starting on 17 May. We’ll be serving over 40 beers and 40 ciders from a special tiki bar with a mix of firm favourites and unearthed surprises.”
Good news for Salisbury Rugby Club too
There's also an award for Salisbury Rugby Club as part of the same scheme by CAMRA.
The Castle Road venue's been chosen as the local Club of the Year.
Keith Foster from Salisbury CAMRA said:
“Salisbury Rugby Club scored highly on all the key criteria for making a decision.
It was particularly noted for the selection and condition of the Hop Back ales being served, that the bar staff were friendly and helpful and the customers welcoming and happy to chat. The overall impression was of a vibrant and friendly bar.
"This impression was echoed when CAMRA branch members visited to present the award to the club.”