The ‘Front bar, on Custom House Quay, has been named the CAMRA Kernow Pub of the Year 2011.

The prestigious award, presented by the Cornwall branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), has never gone to a town pub before and ‘Front licensee, Matt Reay is delighted at the news.

“It was a total surprise, I was flabbergasted,” he said.

“There’s some stiff competition out there, especially the pubs that have a brewery attached, but we have a real passion for what we do.”

Fran Brennan, spokesperson for the local CAMRA branch, thought it was the quality and range of beers available that had secured the ‘Front its victory.

“Matt and his staff keep a stunning range of ales, including not just a regularly changing line-up from our Cornish breweries but also many that are rarely available in this neck of the woods,” she said.

“It's obvious that much time and attention goes into the choosing of the ales and the condition in which they're kept - it really does show.”

Gerry Wills, acting CAMRA Kernow chairman said it was ‘Front’s uniqueness that underpins its appeal.

“It's like a cellar bar but somehow not. It's so much more than that,” he said.

“That there is such a great choice of ales, both local and from out of county, in an establishment of this size is testament to Matt's skill and imagination".

‘Front bar is on Custom House Quay and is open daily from 12pm to 12am.

Driftwood Spars in St Agnes was the previous CAMRA Kernow Pub of the Year, in both 2010 and 2009.