The Railway Inn, Ketton, is named ‘pub of the year’ by Rutland Camra

Living up to its new title, the 2024 ‘pub of the year’ was packed with happy drinkers celebrating the accolade.

Landlords of The Railway Inn, Ketton, Jamie and Linda Betts were presented with their award on Thursday (April 4) by Camra branch chairman Rich Harris and secretary Dave Casewell.

Jamie and Linda became landlords in October 2019 and loved it so much they bought the pub last year.

The couple focus on quality beers and a feel-good ambience, which regulars and Rutland Camra members recognise.

It is the second year in a row The Railway has been named Rutland’s Pub of the Year, and it has previously won a Campaign for Real Ale seasonal award, and a regional award too.

Jamie said he was delighted they had won again and thanked customers for helping to make it a community pub with the feel-good factor.

At the presentation, the Jamie and Linda were congratulated by Rich for the hard work they put in to run the pub well, the quality of the beer they serve, and the cleanliness of the premises.

Dave later added: “The quality of all our finalists was high - after all, there are some great pubs in Rutland - and it is of interest to note that two of the four finalists, The Railway in Ketton and the Exeter Arms in Uppingham, are both 'wet led' pubs that have to focus on the quality of their drinks to draw in customers because they don’t serve meals.

“The competition between the finalists was very strong, with only a few marks separating them all, but you can't help but be affected by the infectious and inclusive atmosphere at The Railway.”

Find out which Rutland pub is on sale for £2.5 million.

The other finalists were The Wheatsheaf in Oakham, The Exeter Arms in Uppingham and The Lord Nelson in Oakham.