Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Trafford & Hulme branch has named The Bishop Blaize in Stretford, Manchester, as their pub of the season for summer 2012.
Pub manager Ben Plunkett is pictured (front centre) with Trafford & Hulme CAMRA representatives Steven Swain (Cider & Perry Officer) and Bev Gobbett (Chairman).
The Trafford & Hulme CAMRA website said: “The award is in recognition of the efforts of manager Ben Plunkett and his team who have built up a loyal following of regulars throughout the week, while making the pub a welcoming destination for cricket fans attending Lancashire matches.
“The pub is inevitably packed with football fans on Old Trafford match days but now offers much more to the local community.
“Ben arrived at the JD Wetherspoon owned pub a little under two years ago, having previously been at The Cotton Bale in Hyde. He immediately made a commitment to sell locally brewed ales, signing the pub up to CAMRA’s LocAle scheme, which promotes pubs who support their local brewers.
“Since then the pub has expanded its range of traditional ales and added real ciders and perries to its offering.”
Ben said: “We are absolutely delighted to be voted pub of the season, an award which highlights our support of local real ale and breweries in our area.”