A FAMILY-OWNED pub has been named the best boozer in Bolton after opening just 18 months ago.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) presented Bunbury’s with the prestigious award at a celebration on Saturday, praising the establishment for its intimate atmosphere and unusual selection of beer.

Sarah Leech, who owns the pub with her husband Darryl, thanked the community for the award and said it was down to their loyal customers who have supported Bunbury’s since it opened in 2015.

The Darcy Lever resident said: “To be honest, we thought we would struggle like so many other pubs have been doing recently but we have had so much support from the customers and we are really pleased about it.We are quite a small set-up and CAMRA is a pretty massive organisation. They do all this brilliant work for pubs so to get this recognition from them is amazing.

“I had been really sceptical when we set it up. I thought the idea was good but I thought it would be difficult to open a new pub in this climate. You do hear horror stories about pubs being open for only 12 months nowadays. But we have a brilliant local clientele. There are a lot of people who are really loyal to us.”

Bunbury’s will now be entered into CAMRA’s regional competition.

The 37-year-old mother of two started the Chorley Old Road pub with her husband to sell their favourite ales. They set up with the aim of specialising in unusual real ales and craft beers.