IF YOU’RE after the cider inside your best bet is to head to West Lulworth.

The village’s Castle Inn has triumphed after being named Cider Pub of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The traditional sixteenth century thatched roofed pub is the best place to enjoy a pint of real cider, CAMRA says.

The pub has been run by the Halliday family for more than 30 years – Alex Halliday is the current landlord and the third generation of his family to run the pub.

He said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to win the National Cider Pub of the Year competition.

“We’ve been pushing real cider for years now and hope that us winning this award will put Dorset cider on the map.”

Located near to the beautiful Jurassic Coast, the pub is a hit with regulars and visitors alike, with the choice of real ciders and perries being a significant draw for many.

Mr Halliday said: “At any one time we have around 50 to 60 different real ciders available in the pub and we believe that once people try proper real cider they will realise how much better it is than commercially produced stuff, which often only contains around 30 per cent apple juice.”

Real cider is made from 100 per cent natural apple juice with no additives or chemicals and is served naturally still, unlike commercially produced cider which is force-carbonated to give it fizz. Real perry is produced in the same way as real cider but with pear juice instead of apple juice.

Sarah Newson, organiser of the Cider Pub of the Year competition, said: “The Castle Inn is a very worthy winner of this much coveted award.

“Their commitment to real cider and perry is second to none and the quality of drinks they have in the pub at any one time is truly staggering. As well as that the pub is a beautiful place to enjoy a drink, with all the country charm you could hope for.”

The announcement of the award marks the start of CAMRA’s October long Cider Month campaign.

It is urging pubs around the country to try stocking a real cider this month.