THE landlord of a popular railway village pub celebrated his 12th consecutive appearance in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide.

Jonathan Crisp of the Glue Pot said he was over the moon to see his pub featured in the Campaign for Real Ale’s 2020 guide once again.

Mr Crisp, known as JC, said: “An entry in the guide is greatly valued as it is the real ale drinkers’ first point of reference when looking for a good pint in any town or city.

“To have gained an entry in it for 12 years running is a fantastic achievement and something that all my hardworking team of staff can be proud of.

“It is recognition that our range of eight ales are consistently in tip top condition, all of my team are trained to look after the beer from its arrival in casks right through to its presentation to the customer in the glass, and they are all justifiably proud of the quality of our ales.

“The guide entry is an accolade that recognises the dedication they all invest in our beers.”

JC’s pub prides itself on its reputation for beer and cider along with a traditional focus on drinks and debates instead of watching big-screen TVs, playing games machines or using WiFi.

He added: “We are proof that there is still a call for a pub like pubs used to be, a place to socialise and meet or make friends. You can bring your dog in with you but don’t bother bringing your laptop.

“People travel to come to us, and not just from all over Swindon, I’ve had customers arrive, Good Beer Guide in hand, from all parts of Britain, the continent and even as far away as the USA.

“We are truly a destination pub for the real ale enthusiast. Recently an American young lady, after returning to California, sent us a postcard to say how much she was missing the Glue Pot – not that I can blame her, a good pint in the states is a rare thing indeed.”

JC bought his first copy of the guide in which he regularly features back in 1977 and remembers it being “essential” to finding pubs that served real ale. He said it was still “invaluable” because real ales are enjoying “a huge resurgence in the pub industry”, so much so that the new guide is “a weighty tome” compared to his 1977 copy.