Newly reopened West Dorset pub wins local award
The White Lion at Broadwindsor's been named CAMRA pub of the year
Less than a year after reopening as a community venue, a West Dorset pub's been named as the area's best.
The White Lion at Broadwindsor has been chosen as the Pub of the Year 2023 by the local branch on CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).
Residents in the village worked tirelessly to get the pub back up and running, only opening up again in April last year.
Pub manager Kate Staff said:
“It’s a real honour to get this award and I would like to dedicate it to the late David Leader. This venture would not have happened without his tireless determination and enthusiasm for doing great things for the community. It has been our priority to make The White Lion a success and to make David’s vision a reality. Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way.”
West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale Chair Bruce Mead said:
”It was fantastic the pub re-opened after a tremendous community effort, the White Lion at Broadwindsor is fine example of a traditional country village pub and a clear winner of our pub of the year competition.”
Pub Garden winner chosen
There's also been an award from CAMRA for the Thimble Inn at Piddlehinton.
They've been crowned the West Dorset 'Pub Garden of the Year' for 2022 - following a busy summer of use by local punters.
Emma-Jayne Sweeting & Michal Trawicki's outdoor space was judged by an independent group of CAMRA members who were looking for the best kept garden.
Judges said:
"The garden is surrounded by low level boarder walls with seasonal flowers planted along the trough style raised bed. New benching and tables allow customers to relax beside the tranquil flowing river Piddle, or they may choose to sit in the opposite garden which has been reclaimed and illuminated.
"There is a covered area that is used if musicians are performing outside in the summer months or a smaller patio area by the side of the pub. Judges were impressed by the way the small garden was lovingly maintained and kept clean."