A PUB is celebrating after racking up a hat-trick of accolades in the Maldon and Dengie CAMRA pub of the year competition.

The Station Arms, in Southminster, was judged by ale lovers to be the best pub in the area for the quality of its real ales, ambience and customer service for the third year running.

The Queen’s Head in Burnham was runner-up out of almost 80 pubs serving real ale in the district.

The awards were presented by Maldon and Dengie CAMRA chairman James Burrell-Cook on a visit to both pubs.

Martin Park took over as landlord of the Station Arms in 1992 and the pub has featured in every edition of CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide since then.

He said: "I’m really pleased to be named pub of the year for the third year running - it is a very special night for the pub.”

Mr Burrell-Cook said: “This is a well-deserved award for Martin and the Station Arms. The pub always serves a great choice of beers and it is a very friendly and welcoming local.”

Jon Hollis has revitalised the Queen’s Head in Burnham since becoming landlord in January 2022, and now serves an ever-changing selection of beers, many of which are not often seen in the area.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Queen's Head landlord Jon Hollis receives his award from James Burrell-Cook Queen's Head landlord Jon Hollis receives his award from James Burrell-Cook (Image: Maldon & Dengie CAMRA)

He said: “Being a new landlord I am honoured to be recognised for my efforts in keeping a good cellar. To come so close to winning is such a pleasant shock.

"It’s great that other people appreciate my efforts and take time to vote for my lovely little pub. You have made my year.”

Mr Burrell-Cook added: “Jon has befittingly won this award, and it is testament to his hard work that the Queen’s Head came so close to being pub of the year in his first full year in charge.”