A County Durham pub has celebrated being named a beer-loving MP’s pub of the year.

The Grey Bull in Stanhope has been named Richard Holden MP’s Pub of the Year Award 2022 after winning hundreds of votes and beating off more than 30 other pubs and clubs in the running.

Three other pubs received highly commended certificates: The Fleece in Castleside; the Steel Club, Consett; and the Royal Oak, Cornsay Colliery, who all got high numbers of nominations.

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Stuart Brown, Landlord of The Grey Bull pub, said: “It feels fantastic to win - it’s a nice surprise and I’m really impressed with my tankard! Thanks to everyone that voted!”

The Northern Echo: Stuart Brown (L) landlord of the Grey Bull in Stanhope and Richard Holden MP (R). Picture: PRStuart Brown (L) landlord of the Grey Bull in Stanhope and Richard Holden MP (R). Picture: PR (Image: PR)

The competition was launched by North West Durham Conservative MP and ‘Beer Parliamentarian of the Year’ Richard Holden to celebrate the pubs, clubs and hospitality venues in his constituency.

Mr Holden said: “Pubs and clubs are at the heart of our towns and villages and I am delighted that the fantastic Grey Bull in Stanhope, where I occasionally stop off after a busy day in the constituency, has been voted as my Pub of the Year 2022.

“I will continue to fight really hard in Parliament for local businesses and especially for our hospitality sector, which has faced huge challenges over the last two and a half years.

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“I am glad that the Government has listened recently to cap energy prices for businesses, as well as families and will continue to champion small local businesses in North West Durham on issues from Business Rates to Energy Bills in the coming months and years.”

Back in July Holden was given the Parliamentarian of the Year award for his work supporting pubs and the hospitality industry.

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