One of the most difficult (but pleasurable!) decisions facing Halton CAMRA is to select its annual Pub Of The Year (POTY). The choice is democratically made, but a number of factors come into the decision. These include whether the pub has a community focus, whether the real ale has been of a consistent high quality throughout the whole year and the ambience/ welcome received.

In 2015, the Prospect in Weston Village was a very deserved POTY winner, and besides quality real ale, the home cooked food and real fire make a very welcoming environment. The competition for the 2016 award was very close run. Three strong candidates all polled equally for second place; The Lion in Runcorn – a deservedly popular traditional pub near the railway station, the historic Norton Arms in Halton Village and the Ring O Bells in Daresbury that is awarded “Locale” status due to the commitment shown in sourcing local real ales.

However the “first past the post” for 2016 and a deserved Pub Of The Year winner is the Eight Towers in Weates Close, Widnes. The pub has two sides – a large bar where sport is popular and a large seated side where food is served. A good size outdoors area is very popular in the summer months. Six real ales from the Marstons range are served (4 regular beers & 2 changing guests) and through tastings made throughout the year the real ales have been found to kept be in good condition. That a pub in a non town centre location in Halton, can support such a choice of real ales is a testament to the managements skill in looking after the real ales and to building up a thriving trade. The pub raises monies for charity, hosts fairs for children and has a community focus.

If you are passing, give the Eight Towers a visit –in an area where real ale has not always thrived, it certainly is a beacon showing what can be achieved!