The Eight Bells in Chipping Campden has been voted as pub of the year by members of North Cotswold Camra.

With nearly 30 years at the helm of the historic pub, landlord Neil Hargreaves, said he was absolutely delighted to have won, adding it is ‘a real reflection of not just the pub but the breweries we choose to use’.

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Mr Hargreaves said: “We are absolutely delighted. We’ve been runners-up a few times and won the award a few years back, but it’s nice to get. We were presented with the award on Monday (March 23) evening. We are delighted because it’s nice to be recognised.

“It’s a real reflection of not just the pub but the breweries we choose to use. They are all local. We use Hook Norton Brewery, Wye Valley Brewery, and North Cotswold Brewery.

“It means an awful lot to win the award because real ale is not a product that is ready when you get it. It has to be finished in one’s own cellar. It’s a reflection of how we manage the cellar and our technique.

“It’s about selectivity, local beers, and local flavours. We steer away from national breweries because using local reduces beer miles. There’s a real commitment by local breweries to get it right, and boy to they get it right.

“Locals and visitors often notice the certificates and are both very supportive and happy to have chosen to drink at a pub that is recognised by a wider audience.

“It’s all about promoting real ales. Real ales are a fairly unique product to the UK, and so visitors from all over the world are very enthusiastic about trying them. A lot of them do a lot of research before they visit, which always surprises me.

The Eight Bells (Image: Daniel Kelly/NQ)

“If you think there are a lot of different varieties of wine, there are as many, if not more, in beers. I find keeping good standards at the bar helps. Keeping it tidy, keeping the pumps polished, and staff being knowledgeable.

“I would really like to extend my thanks to Camra for what they do for the pub business. For campaigning for many, many years. They are very much the unsung heroes, spreading the message everywhere from Downing Street to Chipping Campden about the importance of pubs in the UK.

The building is rumoured to have been built by the same stonemasons who built the nearby Church of St James, and was later used to store its bells, hence the name.

The Eight Bells is open seven days a week, boasting both a beer garden and a sheltered terrace garden, six en-suite rooms, and a ‘very well-established and experienced brigade of chefs’.

Thames Valley Police has now asked any witnesses to come forward and anyone with dash-cam footage to share it as they investigate the non-stop injury road traffic collision.

The incident occurred at 4.30am on Saturday, March 28 at the Banbury Road junction with Parks Road in Oxford, near to the University Parks.

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The intersection of Banbury Road and Parks Road (Image: Google Maps)

The pedestrian, who was in their 20s, was reportedly hit by a dark coloured Toyota while crossing the Banbury Road.

The motorist failed to remain at the scene of the collision and the pedestrian sustained minor injuries which were treated at hospital, Thames Valley Police stated on Sunday morning.

Thames Valley Police has launched a probe (Image: PA)

A spokesperson for the police said: “Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage to come forward following a non-stop injury road traffic collision.

“A pedestrian, aged in his 20s, was struck by a dark coloured Toyota whilst crossing the Banbury Road close to the junction with Parks Road, Oxford.

“The Toyota involved failed to remain at the scene of the collision.

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“The pedestrian sustained minor injuries which were treated in hospital, but has since been discharged.

“If you were the driver of the Toyota involved please contact Thames Valley Police online or via 101 quoting the reference 43260151582.

“If you were in the area at the time and think you might have information to help us, please contact us online using the same reference.”

The collection of seven coins, featuring characters such as Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggy Winkle, is currently up for sale on eBay.

Despite millions of Peter Rabbit-themed coins being produced, certain versions can attract significant interest online — especially those that are in pristine condition or from limited releases.

Beatrix Potter gold proof coins, like the 2020 Peter Rabbit Gold Proof 50p and the 2016 UK 150th Anniversary of Beatrix Potter 50p Gold Proof, are especially in demand.

Dealers generally value them between £1,800 and £2,200.

These gold proof coins are significantly more expensive than the ordinary silver proof or the brilliant uncirculated ones, which typically retail for under a few hundred pounds.

Factors such as the number of coins minted, their condition, market demand, and any minting errors influence a coin’s price.

While some coins have managed to secure substantial amounts online, experts suggest collectors focus on recently sold prices, rather than current asking prices.

Professional appraisals are also recommended to accurately determine a coin’s worth.

The Royal Mint has previously said that while some coins can be valuable, many listings reflect sellers’ expectations rather than guaranteed market value.

The Beatrix Potter collection has become one of the most sought-after series among UK coin collectors in recent years.

In summation, while a Beatrix Potter-themed 50p coin may sometimes be worth a substantial amount, various factors significantly influence its market value.

Prospective buyers and collectors are encouraged to stay informed and cautious when participating in online auctions and trades.