The West Dorset branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) are extremely proud to announce the prestige winner of the West Dorset CAMRA “Pub of the year” (POTY) is the Tiger Inn; Bridport and offer their sincere congratulations having beaten off ten other nominated pubs. The pub is situated within the town centre just off East St in Barrack St and is close to bus stops.
The Tiger is a classic example of a Victorian grade two listed 18th century free house owned and run by Graham & Jacquie Taylor alongside family members. The wood panelled bulkhead bar boast six hand pumps dispensing cask ales usually from West Country breweries and also traditional boxed ciders, also from local producers. Dried hops are draped from the bar bulkhead and the ceiling beams are clad with hand pump clips from beers that the pub has sold. The pub has two main bar areas, both predominantly of a wooden theme with exposed timber flooring, tables, chairs and soft furnishings. In the main bar sporting events are shown on a large screen which does not affect the ambiance of the pub; however the pub is extremely well supported by locals and people travelling so can get crowded with a good through-put of cask ale through the six lines. There are outside courtyard areas that are ideal sun traps and an alley style bar at the rear of the pub which opens as required. Accommodation is available from a choice of seven rooms of varying size. The Tiger is a wet led pub that does not serve food, only breakfast to its overnight guest.
Last year the Tiger came second in the competition and took the “Highly Commended Award” narrowly missing out to another Bridport pub; the Woodman. An independent panel of judges visited all eleven nominated pubs and scored them on various merits, including beer quality, community focus, style, decor and cleanliness alongside alignment with CAMRA principles. This year it is the over-all winner and we hope to present the certificate at the Saturday lunchtime session at Beerex around 13.00.The pub will now go forward into the Dorset POTY alongside the East Dorset winner then hopefully into the regional and national finals. West Dorset CAMRA would like to wish Graham, Jacquie and their team all the best for going forward.
