Having already been voted Pub of the Year by local CAMRA members and Kent (West) branches, popular Maidstone pub the Flower Pot in Sandling Road has received a further accolade, being selected as overall Kent Pub of the Year by regional judges, placing it among the top 16 Real Ale pubs nationwide. The Flower Pot beat off the Lanes Micropub, Dover - the Kent (East) section winner – to claim the title.

The Flower Pot – a winner of the Kent Pub of the Year title in 2010 and 2011 - has been described as a “must-visit” when in Maidstone, serving up to 10 different Real Ales, many from microbreweries both in Kent and throughout the UK, along with a selection of ciders and perries. Landlords David and Julie Davenport took over the running of the Free House in 2006, rapidly gaining a reputation for the quality and selection on offer.

A judging panel assessed the merits of two finalists based on criteria such as style, décor, furnishing and cleanliness; service, welcome and offering; community focus and atmosphere, alignment with CAMRA principles and overall impression.

Ian Clennett, Chairman of the Maidstone and Mid-Kent Branch of CAMRA said: “Picking up the Kent Pub of the Year title is further reward for the great job that David, Julie and the team have done. Real Ale fans know that the Flower Pot is a great example of the best of what British pubs have to offer – a warm and welcoming atmosphere, excellent service and a fantastic range of beers - and the judges’ scores reflected this.”

David Davenport said: “We’re delighted that Kent CAMRA members have chosen us as Pub of the Year. We aim to offer a variety of Real Ales to suit all palates and tastes, and the award is a sign that our approach is popular with our regulars, CAMRA members and drinkers from further afield.”

As Regional Pub of the Year, the Flower Pot now advances to Super-Regional judging, with potential advancement to the final four pubs from which CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year will be chosen.