A COOKLEY pub that was restored to its former glory is a winner after being recognised for the quality of its pints.

Glasses have been raised at the Eagle and Spur after it won a Best Beer Pub gong.

It beat off stiff competi- tion from more than 1,300 pubs to win the national award, run by Heineken- owned pub firm Star Pubs and Bars.

Judges recognised the hard work of licensee Nuala Campbell, who transformed the pub when she took it over and reopened it five years ago.

“With two other pubs in the village, I knew the Eagle and Spur would live or die on its beer,” Ms Campbell said.

“To my mind 90 per cent of the success of a pub is down to the quality of its beer.”

Ms Campbell, who comes from Tipperary in Ire- land, has 30 years experi- ence of pulling pints and she impressed the judges with her staff training, cellar management, cleaning and regular replacement of glasses to help ensure the Castle Road pub served the per- fect pint.

Although Ms Campbell makes regular trips back to Ireland, she said her heart was now firmly in Cookley.

“I love it here – it’s a friendly, close-knit com- munity, where everyone looks out for each other,” she added.

“It may be a long way from Tipperary but the craic at the Eagle and Spur is just as good.”

Ms Campbell received the award at a gala cele- bration night from former snooker world champion John Parrott.

Chris Jowsey, Star Pubs and Bars trading director, sa id : “The mark of a go od pub is a great pint and with a choice of four ales the Eagle and Spur has something to satisfy all palates.

“The enthusiasm and friendliness of the staff is fantastic.

"Nuala has done an excellent job in turning round the Eagle and Spur making it proof of the enduring popularity of the traditional local."