Landlord of the Axminster Inn, Gary Needs, has been named Master Cellarman for the sixth year.

The award is made annually by Palmers Brewery, which carries out three unannounced audits across all its pubs throughout the year, inspecting everything from storage to cleanliness in the cellar, to pouring and presentation at the bar.

The award scheme was launched in 2016 and Gary at the Axminster Inn has won it every year – except in 2019 when the pub was closed due to Covid-19.

Gary and his wife Karen, who run the pub together, said: "It is very rewarding to The Axminster Inn to be recognised for our passion to the hospitality industry and take credit for this.

"We believe in serving nothing short of good beer in the best possible manner, which always involves correct glasses for each drink. We never re use the same glass and pride ourselves on good results every time.

"Having been at the Axminster Inn for eight years this coming May, those standards remain the same."

The Axminster Inn also holds the CAMRA Pub of the Year Award for the Exeter & East Devon Branch 2022. 

Gary and Karen added: "We look forward to many more accolades as we drive the business forward in these uncertain times, but with the loyal local support we hope the uncertainty will soon be history."

For more details about the Axminster Inn and upcoming events, visit https://www.axminsterinn.pub/