A MALVERN pub is celebrating after being named Town Pub of the Year for Britain by The Good Pub Guide 2007.

The Nags Head in Malvern became the first pub to receive the accolade, which was devised after the editor noted that most town pubs were "fairly grottty; smoky; somewhat shabby and very blokey."

However, the Nags Head has proven to be quite the contrary to those descriptions.

The judges said: "The Nags Head is a warm-hearted and an interesting pub with good food, drink and service.

"It's the sort of place one hopes to find in every town but rarely does. They keep an astonishing range of 16 real ales on hand pump and changing guests available.

"They also offer a fine range of malt whiskies, Belgian beers and decent whiskies by the glass."

Manageress Nicola Abrams, who has been at the Bank Street watering hole for less than a year said she was delighted by the award.

She said: "We concentrate on quality service, food and beer and we have hard working staff."

The business also uses local produce in its food, another winning factor, she believes.

"We visit the farm where the butcher gets the meat and it does make a difference."

However, despite officially now being the best pub of its kind in the land, the quest for perfection continues.

Ms Abrams added: "We have a comments book and it's good to know what we are doing is right. We are always trying to do the best we can and will continue improving the Nags Head in whatever way that we can."

The pub's owner Duncan Ironmonger said: "The Nag's Head is pleased to win this award, which shows the enthusiasm and dedication from the staff and the loyalty of our customers.

"Our aim is to make this the best public house in Britain, inkeeping with tradition."