A pub landlord is overjoyed and pleasantly surprised after being recognised by Bolton Campaign for Real Ale with an award.

The Kings Head in Deane were handed the award this week.

CAMRA typically awards a pub of the season for winter, spring, summer, and autumn, as well as an overall pub of the year.

The popular pub has become known for its cask ales, which includes beer from Bank Top Brewery, and Bleckedge Brewing Company, which are both local.

Landlord Martin Kilcoyne said: “It’s an honour really, and it was a nice surprise, and a reward for the hard work we do.

The Bolton News: “It is the second oldest pub in Bolton and the only pub in Bolton with a bowling green, and we have seven teams.”

Martin previously lived in Spain for 10 years with his wife Mary where he ran a couple of pubs, and they have been at the Kings Head for four years.

He added: “We have a good outside area and in the summer, we are quite busy.

“We are an old traditional pub, and don’t have Sky, or loud music.

“We also have a children’s play area outside.

“I think we bring something a little bit different and have a good customer base that we build on, and we have regular customers who come in at set times.

“There are pubs across the road who cater for younger people.

“They are welcome here, but it’s a quiet pub for people who want a little bit of socialising.”

The pub is believed to have been built in the 17th century and is a Grade II listed building.

It is located close to the scenic Deane Clough Nature Reserve, and in the quaint Deane Village.

The King’s Head used to be known as 1719, then Bradley’s when it was owned by a man with this name, then the Queen’s Head, until it was known by the name it is today.

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