. Image copyright - Stuart McCormick

It is with considerable pleasure that I can reveal that the Sir William Peel in Sandy has been chosen as Bedfordshire's Pub of the Year and will now be going through to the East Central Regional competition against pubs from Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire.

What is remarkable is that Steve, the licensee, and Stuart, the live-in bar manager, have barely been in the pub two years and have already achieved the considerable feat of becoming County POTY against North Bedfordshire's choice - the Fox at Carlton - and South Bedfordshires Bricklayer's Arms in Luton..

I'm sure that all Branch Members will join me in congratulating Steve, Stuart and their staff on such an auspicious occasion.

A presentation will be made to the pub on Saturday 24th May at 2.00pm at which all CAMRA Member will be welcome.

The following pictures were taken on the day of the presentation

. Image Copyright Sue Young

The Chair, Alan Binnington (Binners to you and I) who made the trip from his country estate in Stamford, Lincs to be at the presentation, Sue Young and Dave Young who were geographically displaced from their rural retreat in Holwell and their Pied á Terre at the Engineers Arms in Henlow.

. Image Copyright Sue Young

Clockwise: Dave Young, Stuart Galloway, Geoff and Carol Tilbury, Lynda Galloway all enjoying the fruits of the brewers' labour. Geolff and Carol had battled their way from Biggleswade; Stuart and Lynda had a less stressful journey from about four streets away in Sandy.

. Image Copyright Sue Young

Steve, the licensee of the 'Peel', demonstrating his deadly finger which is rarely used but can be brought into action in the event of anybody breaking any of the pub's unwritten rules...of which I'm not aware of any. Even so, one of my colleagues was once remonstrated with for having the impudence to turn off the radio.

The Chair and Dave Young seem blissfully unaware of the potential harm which could befall unsuspecting miscreants and I have no idea why Steve is apparently taking aim at the Branch Treasurer, Rob Pullinger as both he and Binners seem particularly nonplussed with this turn of events.

All of us are enjoying the lovely atmosphere and surroundings of the Old Stables Bar and Bottle Shop.

Photos from the presentation evening at the Sir William Peel (all images copyright of Chris Freeman)

. Stuart/Shaggy proudly displays the presentation certificate indicating that The Sir William Peel is the Branch’s 2025 Pub of the Year.

. Barry, Steve and Stuart

. Special sweatshirts for super staff.

. Congratulations!