SOMERSET’S finest pubs and clubs have been recognised in the annual county CAMRA awards.

Members of the Somerset branch of the Campaign For Real Ale has voted in a poll to recognise the Pub of the Year, Cider Pub of the Year and Club of the Year.

The Pub of the Year award has gone to The Ship, in Porlock, known locally as the ‘Top Ship’ – the first time the venue has won the award.

The runner-up was another village pub, the Brewers Arms in South Petherton, while third place went to the Winchester Arms, in Trull.

The Brewers Arms in South Petherton was ranked highly

In the Cider category, the title was retained by Pebbles in Watchet, which offers a choice of traditionally ciders and perrys from independent producers, both large and small.

Club of the Year was picked up by The Wyvern Taunton Pub in Taunton. Although club membership is available and offers discounts of food and drinks, it also welcomes non-members.

Somerset CAMRA branch chair, Mike Cleveland, said: “It’s always interesting to see which pubs and clubs our members regard as the best and this year’s award winners are all excellent places to go and enjoy a drink, and a meal if they wish, and to enjoy the unique ambience of a British pub, something that no ‘themed bar’ can match.

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“As a county we are best known nationally for our ciders, and these can be enjoyed in many pubs, but we are also proud of our award winning real ale and craft brewers.

“We are pleased to honour our winners but we know that there are many other excellent pubs in the towns and villages and we would encourage anyone to go and enjoy them, be they the ‘local’, or somewhere new on a day out. There is much to discover and enjoy.”