Branch members made their way to the Smugglers at the end of October for the presentation of the Rural Pub of the Year. Since Lisa Thompson took the pub on, the beer offer has improved and in the opinion of many, so has the pub in general. At the start of the year it was shortlisted as one the three pubs nominated in the Pub of the Year competition. Although it did not win, it was the only rural pub on the shortlist and this led to members voting for it as our Rural Pub of the Year. Vice Chair Phil opened proceedings by paying tribute to the progress the pub has made in Lisa’s time there, then Chair Peter explained how the pub had progressed from making it into the Good Beer Guide to the current award. Lisa replied, thanking the Branch for its recognition and support.