AN HISTORIC pub in Christchurch has scooped a regional award. The Thomas Tripp in Wick Lane, won the autumn 2017 Pub of the Season.

General manager Dan Bath, and directors Simon Wyatt-Budd and Chris Rice, accepted the award from East Dorset CAMRA chairman, Nigel Jones.

Nigel explained that the pub of the season is decided by nominations from CAMRA members and voted upon - the main criteria is the quality of the beer.

Director Simon Wyatt-Budd said: “The entire team at Thomas Tripp were proud to be awarded this southern pub of the season by CAMRA. We have worked tirelessly over five years to make Thomas Tripp a true community local with great ales, superb food and live music. This award sits alongside our Cask Marque Food Festival and TripAdvisor awards.”

General manager Dan Bath said he takes particular interest in the guest ales: “I always take care to make sure they are served in the best condition possible and in glasses that are only used for ale. My aim is also to keep the guest ales exciting and varied.”

On the day of the presentation, there was a choice of Cerne Abbas’ Tiger Tom and Stonehenge Ales’ Danish Dynamite alongside Ringwood’s Best, 49er and a range of Belgian beers.

The Thomas Tripp is locally listed and dates back to the early 19th century when it was popular with smugglers. Some of its history is captured in the pub’s oil paintings depicting present customers as smugglers. One scene sees them being taken to Winchester Gaol.

Dan Bath added: “We are chuffed to bits and we are massively grateful and thankful to have been chosen, and we hope that it brings more customers from far and wide!”

The pub is also well known for its regular live music, live sports, lunchtime specials, Seafood Shack and outside dining.