A RECENTLY transformed butcher's shop in Old Colwyn has been awarded top honours by the authority on proper real ale and cider.

The Crafty Fox on Abergele Road has been named Best Newcomer of the Year at The Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) awards.

A recent addition to Old Colwyn, the micro-pub opened its doors for the first time last September after being converted by landlord Gordon Ward from the former Kincha's Ladies Clothing and Fred Price's butchers shops.

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Mr Ward said: ""Having a keen interest in real ale and craft beers I decided to open a micropub in the area and as I live in Old Colwyn I found a premises and converted it into a pub

"I am very thankful to the CAMRA members who voted for The Crafty Fox to win this award, I would also like to thank my wife Adele for all her support, but more importantly all our customers whom without, there would be no Crafty Fox."

Also receiving recognition were last year's winner of the award, Tapps on Maddox Street in Llandudno, who this year clinched the accolade for Cider & Perry Pub of the Year following a recent Cider festival showcasing more than 40 ciders and perries.

To make it official, both pubs were presented with their awards by Abercolwyn CAMRA branch chairman Ian Saunders, with Bay of Colwyn mayor cllr Neil Bastow joining to celebrate at the Crafty Fox.

Mr Saunders said: "The Crafty Fox has rapidly become a great addition to the community in the area, a hub for sipping a beer and discussing the issues of the day. You can very often find beers here from North Wales and further afield.

"Meanwhile, in Llandudno, Tapps, the previous recipient of Best Newcomer of the Year, has collected another award, that of Cider & Perry Pub of the Year, has become a premier outlet for beer and cider in Llandudno over the last two years this has become the premier outlet .

"Both pubs have been rightly recognised by CAMRA for their innovation in providing fantastic service to local drinkers. Cheers!"