Boarded-up pub revived to take Pub of Year title

A pub that was twice boarded up ready for closure has reopened with 13 real ales, 100 gins and 10 real ciders – and the title of Britain’s best alehouse.

Publicans Andy and Denise Evans have made The Cricketers Arms in St Helens, Merseyside, the Campaign for Real Ale’s Pub Of The Year.

“We put our heart and soul into it,” said Andy. “We get people from all over the UK and the world. The cask ale scene in town is just brilliant.”