The Andover Tap at the Lamb was voted by local members to receive the North Hampshire Pub of the Year accolade along with the associated Cider Pub of the Year Award.
This is the first step in the National Pub of the Year competitions.
UPDATE:
A presentation of the awards will be made at 2.00pm on Saturday 4th May.Everyone welcome.
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| The Andover Tap at the Lamb |
Around 250 pubs were eligible in an area that stretches across the northern reaches of Hampshire including the main centres of Andover and Basingstoke.
Hartley Wintney and Odiham are included to the east; Whitchurch, Sutton Scotney and Stockbridge are to the west, and Tadley and Kingsclere are to the north. The pubs are visited and judged by local members on a wide range of criteria.
Hartley Wintney and Odiham are included to the east; Whitchurch, Sutton Scotney and Stockbridge are to the west, and Tadley and Kingsclere are to the north. The pubs are visited and judged by local members on a wide range of criteria.
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| Popular owner, Tim Abram |
The next step
The pub has now been forwarded for the Wessex Regional Award which includes entries from Dorset, the Isle of Wight, Wiltshire, and the Channel Islands as well as from the rest of Hampshire. Independent teams of judges will be visiting these over the next few months.
The Lamb Inn
The Andover Tap, owned by Tim Abram, moved into the historic Lamb Inn in Winchester Street just over two years ago along with Wessex Spirits, who run the lovely Gin Palace in the rest of the Listed Building. Previously the pub had been closed having been a canteen for an insurance company who had bought it from Wadworths.
As well as a fine selection of cask ales, craft keg beers and real ciders from mainly local producers, regular events are held including food nights, games sessions, quizzes, BBQs, brewery visits, and an annual cycle ride. It is also a venue for the long established Lamb Folk Sessions as well as holding occasional music events. Meanwhile each year an Ale and Gin Festival is held in conjunction with the Gin Palace (this years event is 24th–26th May 2024).
The pub also houses a small micro-brewery and has started to produce some special house beers under the apt name of Ewe Brew.
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| Conversation rules in the Andover Tap at the Lamb |
A unique and welcoming pub
Tim Abram and his wonderful staff have created a unique independent and inclusive pub in the town that caters for, and welcomes everyone. It is definitely not a pub to miss and with the Gin Place next door shows the value of independent businesses in providing top quality service.
Massive congratulations are due, along with the best of wishes as the pub moves forward towards the ultimate accolade of National Pub of the Year. Fingers are crossed.
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| The wonderful staff are will always give a friendly welcome (here are Willow and Matt) |
