Village inn listed in the Good Beer Guide for the 38th year running

BITTER people in Kilmington have plenty to smile about.

Both the village pubs are again listed in the latest edition of the ale drinkers’ “bible” - The Good Beer Guide 2011.

It is the third year in a row the Old Inn has been included in the hallowed pages, making them relative newcomers.

But for the New Inn, their listing is famously ‘old’.

Since Brian and Denise Jenkins took over the popular hostelry some 18 years ago, winning an entry has been almost a formality.

Their popular inn, tucked away in the heart of the tiny village, has been included in the guide for the past 38 years in a row – a record shared by only a handful of other British pubs.

Mr Jenkins said: “We have three plaques on the wall now saying we have been in the good beer guide non stop from 1974 and 2010 - so we’ll have to update that again now.”

The New Inn serves beers from Palmers’ brewery at Bridport – Copper, IPA and 200 mostly, with Tally Ho now on as a winter warmer.

“Husbandry is what it’s all about – looking after the beer and the pipes,” said Mr Jenkins.

The New Inn became a pub in the 1800s and after a major fire in 2004 it was sympathetically rebuilt.

Meanwhile the Guide praises the Old Inn for its range of Branscombe and Otter beers as well as locally sourced food and a loyalty card scheme for regular customers.

Other Axe Valley pubs included in the new guide are the Lamb Inn at Axminster, the King’s Arms at Seaton and the Kingfisher at Colyton - all praised for their well kept ales and fine food.

* The Good Beer Guide is compiled by the Campaign for Real Ale and sponsored by Cask Marque - www.cask-marque.co.uk